Overview
- FIFA’s group draw is underway at Washington’s Kennedy Center with President Donald Trump confirmed as a guest.
- The ceremony is staged as a star-driven show featuring hosts Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart, with performances by Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams and the Village People, and sports legends assisting the draw.
- FIFA plans to debut a newly created Peace Prize, with multiple outlets reporting Trump as the likely recipient, drawing criticism over a lack of nominees, a jury or transparent procedures.
- U.S. authorities describe security plans for the tournament as unprecedented, with roughly $1 billion allocated and officials signaling stricter checks that have raised concerns over visas and potential ICE operations near venues.
- Scrutiny extends to the choice and management of the Kennedy Center as venue, alongside attention on FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s close ties to Trump and warnings from scholars about the tournament’s political use.