Gianni Infantino, the FIFA president, was center stage alongside US President Donald Trump and other world leaders during a highly anticipated event in Washington D.C. The World Cup drawing ceremony brought together high-profile guests from around the globe, including Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup was witnessed by fans worldwide as Infantino announced the teams that would be competing for the coveted title. Among the notable draws were Argentina and Lionel Messi's team against Algeria in their opening match.
Trump, who has described Infantino as a "close friend", received a special honor – the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The prize aims to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary actions for peace and have united people across the world.
The World Cup will take place in three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Matches will be held at various venues in each country, with major tournaments including semifinals in Atlanta and Arlington, Texas, as well as the final in New York City's MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Sports legends like Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Shaquille O'Neal participated in the World Cup draw event. Argentina was drawn against Algeria, while the US team will face off against Paraguay in their opening match.
The 2026 soccer World Cup is set to return to North America after a 31-year absence since the 1994 tournament in the United States.
The draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup was witnessed by fans worldwide as Infantino announced the teams that would be competing for the coveted title. Among the notable draws were Argentina and Lionel Messi's team against Algeria in their opening match.
Trump, who has described Infantino as a "close friend", received a special honor – the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. The prize aims to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary actions for peace and have united people across the world.
The World Cup will take place in three host countries: Canada, Mexico, and the United States. Matches will be held at various venues in each country, with major tournaments including semifinals in Atlanta and Arlington, Texas, as well as the final in New York City's MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Sports legends like Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Shaquille O'Neal participated in the World Cup draw event. Argentina was drawn against Algeria, while the US team will face off against Paraguay in their opening match.
The 2026 soccer World Cup is set to return to North America after a 31-year absence since the 1994 tournament in the United States.
i mean i know trump got that special honor and all but honestly i thought it was gonna be so much more lit lol imagine lil messi vs algeria tho! 
anyway i'm low-key hyped for canada and mexico hosting it this time around i've got my money on argentina tho 
also can we talk about how epic the semifinals are gonna be in atlanta?? 
I'm not sure why FIFA's Infantino needs an intro, but what got me is that Trump received this special honor and its kinda weird, given his track record 
. On a more positive note, it's awesome to see so many world leaders and sports legends coming together for the World Cup draw event! 
The fact that Messi gets to play in front of such a huge audience is a bonus for football fans worldwide 
. Also, I love that Canada, Mexico, and the US are hosting the tournament – it'll be a fantastic experience for all the teams and spectators alike 
just got back from watching the whole thing and I'm still hyped!! drew the teams with some ASCII art 
... they've come so far and messi's skills are insane 
gotta see how it plays out
with all the excitement and drama that comes with it! and can't forget about trump getting an award 
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. And can't we just have the final match at one main venue instead of having it hop around? It's gonna feel like a big ol' sports festival rather than an actual World Cup 
. I mean, I love Tom Brady and all, but is he really needed in this ceremony? It's just another way for FIFA to pad their event with celebrity appearances 
. And what's up with Trump getting the Peace Prize? Can't we recognize real peacemakers rather than just some random politicians or sports legends 
I mean, I'm all for unity and peace, but I'm not sure if we can really trust him on that front 
. And yay for Messi and Argentina! 
. And it's awesome that the World Cup is focusing on peace and unity this year – the FIFA Peace Prize is a great way to recognize people making a difference in the world.
. I mean, come on, it's just another way for Trump to get attention and try to be a big shot. Gianni Infantino is fine, but only because he's not as bad as some other presidents out there... but still, what does his 'friendship' with Trump even have to do with the World Cup? 
can't wait to watch argentina vs algeria and the us team vs paraguay 
! The teams are looking fierce, especially Argentina vs Algeria - Messi's gonna bring it home 
! Can't believe US President Trump got the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, hope he uses it to promote unity over politics 
. Who else is excited about the return of the World Cup to North America? I've already prepped my gaming station for those intense matches 
And why does Infantino get to announce who gets which team in the World Cup draw ceremony? Can't they just let the teams choose their own opponents like normal people? 