KENNEDY CENTER SET TO HOST 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP DRAWS , DEC 5
By Abdulgafar Oladimeji
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has stated that it is ready to play host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final draws slated for Friday, December 5, 2025.
The centre expressed its readiness to accommodate the world soccer community describing itself as America’s cultural center and national hub for all-star entertainment.
Saying the event will afford national teams that have berth their place to discover their group opponents in “ thebiggest sporting event in history — the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup™.
“We are honored to host FIFA for the World Cup 2026 Final Draw,” said Kennedy Center President,
Ambassador Richard Grenell. Furter stating that “The Kennedy Center and FIFA World Cup are a perfect match of global iconic institutions entertaining millions of people from around the world.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is widely quoted to have said “We are excited to host the most anticipated Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup in history in the cultural and entertainment heart of the United States, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The draw is a major tournament milestone and one that will continue the remarkable build-up to the biggest sporting event ever, as we get set for many landmark FIFA events across North America throughout 2026.
The centre in an official statement released to journalists said “We look forward to welcoming the team delegations, our partners, global media, and, uniquely, fans representing each of the 16 wonderful Host Cities, to the capital of the United States for this significant occasion.”
“The live draw will kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET (18:00 CET) and be beamed around the globe via FIFA Media Partners.
The historic event will bring guests from around the world, including ambassadors and embassy representatives. As a special feature, fans from each of the 16 Host Cities will have the chance to enter an exclusive lottery for complimentary admission to this once-in-a-lifetime experience—including VIP access. The center said.
