• Loading ...
  • Loading ...

Attractions

Latest News Attractions

Are you looking for a holiday? Get special deals.

 

Trump announces Kennedy Center as FIFA World Cup draw venue while praising DC crime crackdown

23 Aug 2025 By foxnews

Trump announces Kennedy Center as FIFA World Cup draw venue while praising DC crime crackdown

President Donald Trump praised the administration's crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., on Friday as he announced that the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place at the Kennedy Center on Dec. 5. 

The president was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the Oval Office for Friday's announcement. Trump, now the chairman of the Kennedy Center, confirmed that the draw for the group stage will take place at the performing arts venue.

"On Dec. 5 of this year, the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw will take place at the Kennedy Center. Some people refer to it as the Trump-Kennedy Center, but we're not prepared to do that quite yet - maybe in a week or so," Trump said, drawing laughter from the group. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"But right here in Washington, D.C., it's a tremendous honor to bring the global event and this incredible group of people and these unbelievable athletes - the best athletes in the world - to the cultural center of our nation's capital." 

Trump also took the opportunity to highlight his administration's federal takeover of D.C. in an effort to crack down on crime.

"By the way, in Washington, D.C., we have the lowest crime numbers they've had in years. Zero. It's a horrible thing to say, but I might as well say it, zero murders in the last week since we've done this. That's the first time in memory that that's happened. If you can believe it. How pathetic that is to have to even say it."

TRUMP JOKES ABOUT EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CALL SOCCER 'FOOTBALL' IN US, NAMES GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL TIME

"It was unsafe. It was horrible," the president continued, "And Mayor [Muriel] Bowser better get her act straight or she won't be mayor very long because we'll take it over with the federal government, run it like it's supposed to be run."

Trump quipped to Infantino that the city "will be nice" just in time for the draw, joking that the Italian sports figure "could handle yourself" regardless. 

"The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, most complex set of events in sports history, and the Kennedy Center will give it a phenomenal kickoff and will be involved, and they'll be working over there for quite a bit of time. We have it all set so that they can stay there for the big events, the big press conferences and everything else. And they'll be in a very safe capital. That will be nice. You don't have to worry about walking down the street, Johnny, okay? But you could handle yourself."

Trump established a White House task force earlier this year in anticipation of the Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be predominantly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico will also play host to several matches. 

The international tournament, spanning North America, will begin in June 2026 and is the first World Cup in more than two decades that will take place in multiple countries. The tournament will be hosted in 16 cities, beginning with 48 teams and playing 104 matches in total. 

In the U.S., matches will be played in Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Kansas City, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Philadelphia and East Rutherford, New Jersey. 

Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

More News

Booking.com
How to make Fox News a 'preferred source' in Google results: A step-by-step guide
How to make Fox News a 'preferred source' in Google results: A step-by-step guide
Ancient Roman apartment building found beneath public square amid subway construction
Ancient Roman apartment building found beneath public square amid subway construction
Netanyahu announces investigation into 'tragic mishap' after reports of journalists killed in Gaza strike
Netanyahu announces investigation into 'tragic mishap' after reports of journalists killed in Gaza strike
Prince William, Kate Middleton's move sparks privacy and security concerns
Prince William, Kate Middleton's move sparks privacy and security concerns
Bill Maher slams modern entertainers for lacking old-school work ethic
Bill Maher slams modern entertainers for lacking old-school work ethic
College student's parents killed, siblings injured in crash on school drop-off trip
College student's parents killed, siblings injured in crash on school drop-off trip
Wayfair's Labor Day sale slashes prices on mattresses, couches, cookware and more
Wayfair's Labor Day sale slashes prices on mattresses, couches, cookware and more
Americans flee to Canada seeking refugee status as numbers spike dramatically
Americans flee to Canada seeking refugee status as numbers spike dramatically
Ohio mother crashes golf cart into lake, resulting in grim underwater discoveries
Ohio mother crashes golf cart into lake, resulting in grim underwater discoveries
High school girls' volleyball player speaks out about opponents forfeiting games over trans teammate
High school girls' volleyball player speaks out about opponents forfeiting games over trans teammate
American Madison Keys upset by unranked Renata Zarazúa in US Open first round
American Madison Keys upset by unranked Renata Zarazúa in US Open first round
SpaceX takes second shot at crucial Starship test flight after Sunday's technical abort
SpaceX takes second shot at crucial Starship test flight after Sunday's technical abort
Cracker Barrel's changed language on famous peg game in rebrand sparks criticism
Cracker Barrel's changed language on famous peg game in rebrand sparks criticism
Shanna Moakler shows off hot romance with soap star boyfriend on Bahamas vacation
Shanna Moakler shows off hot romance with soap star boyfriend on Bahamas vacation
Ancient Roman apartment building found under city square, plus snack hack could help improve sleep
Ancient Roman apartment building found under city square, plus snack hack could help improve sleep
'I Dream of Jeannie' star Barbara Eden recreates iconic genie pose at 94
'I Dream of Jeannie' star Barbara Eden recreates iconic genie pose at 94
'Yellowstone' stars Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly confirmed for spin-off series alongside major casting addition
'Yellowstone' stars Cole Hauser, Kelly Reilly confirmed for spin-off series alongside major casting addition
Texans star running back Joe Mixon to miss first 4 games of season due to ankle injury
Texans star running back Joe Mixon to miss first 4 games of season due to ankle injury
ICE arrests Abrego Garcia at Maryland check-in, lawyer says
ICE arrests Abrego Garcia at Maryland check-in, lawyer says
Trump signs executive orders to eliminate no-cash bail for suspects in DC and nationwide
Trump signs executive orders to eliminate no-cash bail for suspects in DC and nationwide
Latest News

copyright © 2025 Attractions.   All rights reserved.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z