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The eagerly anticipated draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be hosted in the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, took on a strange twist, combining geopolitics and global football. US President Donald Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize, the first ever.
The ceremony, held at a star-studded gala in the nation’s capital, kicked off with operatic flair from Andrea Bocelli’s rendition of “Nessun Dorma” but quickly veered into the world of the weird as Trump took centre stage—literally—to accept the honour from his close ally, FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Trump takes his own World Cup Trophy
“This award was given to you for your extraordinary efforts in fighting for peace. “That’s the kind of leadership we expect from leaders.” Infantino Trump, beaming in the spotlight, pronounced as he ascended the podium. “You deserve it, Mr. Presiden, for your achievements.” You’ve achieved it in your own way. I’ll always support you and the entire football community.”
Trump is never one to underestimate a moment. lit up the room With self-congratulatory enthusiasm. He said, “This has been one of the most important honours in my life.” He credited himself with averting conflict around the world. “We’ve saved thousands of lives—in the Congo, India, Afghanistan—we’ve stopped wars before they even started. Gianni, it’s an honour to be here with you. I want to say thank you to my family. I think that we will see some incredible things, working together with Canada and Mexico in order to coordinate everything. We have a special relationship. Thank you to all who have made the world safer. “Thanks to my leadership, we were not the country we are now a year ago.
The award was presented just a few weeks after Trump narrowly lost out on the Nobel Peace Prize. A snub that he publicly lamented. FIFA’s first peace award seemed tailor-made to this occasion and reveals Infantino’s long-standing relationship with the US president. Trump sat down clutching his trophy, like a reprimanded schoolboy from the previous sports day. The evening then shifted to the main event, and the reason everyone was watching: the unveiling of the 12 groups for an expanded 48-team tournament to be held June 11 to July 19 2026.
Who are the players at the World Cup this year?
The draw was dominated by the hosts. Mexico won the draw. Group A Canada also drew South Korea while Canada attracted Switzerland Group B. The US faces Australia as co-host. Group D, announcing a transpacific showdown on domestic soil. Brazil, for example (Group C Germany (with Morocco)Group E The intrigue in other countries grew as well.
Spain, fresh from their Euro 2024 victory under coach Luis de la Fuente drew an manageable Group HUruguay, Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde. La Roja, led by Real Madrid player Federico Valverde, will make their debut against Uruguay. But the real drama is in the knockout round: Spain may face Argentina’s Lionel Messi, depending on results and seeding. Group J (Argentina, Austria).
Other marquee clashes lit up the draw: France, commanded by Kylian Mbappé, meets Senegal in Group I You can also read about how to get in touch with us. Group F This rematch pits Japan against the Netherlands, a dramatic rematch to their 2022 meeting. Belgium (Group G Portugal (with Iran)Group K The Colombians (and others) are aiming for deep runs. England will face Croatia in Group L. The team’s epic 2018 semifinal is cited.
Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart kept up the energy by trading jokes with Infantino who introduced the proceedings, calling FIFA “the official supplier of happiness to mankind.” The red carpet was crowded with celebrities, including soccer stars and Hollywood A-listers. But Trump’s award overshadowed everything, and the Internet swore off alcohol.
