The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw happened in Washington D.C. It was a big event for sports and world matters. The draw decided the first matches for the 48 teams. The ceremony was at the John F. Kennedy Center. It was also a place for an important diplomatic event. U.S. President Donald Trump received the first FIFA Peace Prize.
Many people watched the two-hour ceremony on TV. The World Cup will be in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. This is the first time three countries will host. The leaders of these countries were there. They helped draw the teams for their groups. They put their own country as the top seed in a group.
The draw decided the groups for 42 qualified nations. Mexico will play South Africa first. This game will start the tournament on June 11, 2026. South Korea and another team will also be in this group. The United States will play Australia and Paraguay. Canada will compete against Switzerland and Qatar. Other strong teams are still trying to qualify.
A special moment happened when President Trump got the FIFA Peace Prize. This new award is for helping to achieve peace. FIFA showed a video. It connected the award to his efforts for peace. These efforts included conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. This prize showed FIFA's interest in sports and world politics.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the tournament will be amazing. He called it unique and spectacular. The draw was also very grand. It shows the World Cup will be very big. Many countries and fans can now plan for the event. People are now excited to watch the games in 2026.