WASHINGTON (AP) — The World Cup draw determines where teams will play at next year’s soccer tournament between 48 nations that will run from June 11 to July 19.
Presidents from the three host countries attended the event, with U.S. President Donald Trump receiving FIFA’s first peace prize. Trump thanked the leaders of fellow host countries, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
This is a photo gallery curated by AP photo editors.
The tournament mascots pose on the red carpet as guests arrive for the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
The tournament mascots pose on the red carpet as guests arrive for the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Workers prepare the red carpet area prior to the final draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Workers prepare the red carpet area prior to the final draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
The FIFA Peace Prize is placed on a pedestal before being awarded to President Donald Trump during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, Pool)
The FIFA Peace Prize is placed on a pedestal before being awarded to President Donald Trump during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough, Pool)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Singer Robbie Williams and singer and actor Nicole Scherzinger perform during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Singer Robbie Williams and singer and actor Nicole Scherzinger perform during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Singer Robbie Williams and singer and actor Nicole Scherzinger perform during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Singer Robbie Williams and singer and actor Nicole Scherzinger perform during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
President Donald Trump reaches in a bowl to gather a ball during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Jia Haocheng/Pool Photo via AP)
President Donald Trump reaches in a bowl to gather a ball during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (Jia Haocheng/Pool Photo via AP)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
President Donald Trump puts on his FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
President Donald Trump puts on his FIFA Peace Prize during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Broadcaster Samantha Johnson and former England soccer captain Rio Ferdinand speak during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Broadcaster Samantha Johnson and former England soccer captain Rio Ferdinand speak during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum holds up the team name of Mexico during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum holds up the team name of Mexico during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
From l-r., FIFA President Gianni Infantino takes a selfie with President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
From l-r., FIFA President Gianni Infantino takes a selfie with President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
A person carries a soccer ball with a picture of President Donald Trump before the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
A person carries a soccer ball with a picture of President Donald Trump before the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, actor Kevin Hart and former NFL player Tom Brady attend the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal, actor Kevin Hart and former NFL player Tom Brady attend the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
Singer Andrea Bocelli performs at the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Singer Andrea Bocelli performs at the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
The Village People pose for a photo after performing at the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The Village People pose for a photo after performing at the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
Share
Read More
President Donald Trump dances toThe Village People as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and First Lady Melania smile during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
President Donald Trump dances toThe Village People as Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and First Lady Melania smile during the draw for the 2026 soccer World Cup at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Friday, Dec. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Add AP News on Google
Add AP News as your preferred source to see more of our stories on Google.
