World Cup 2026 draw updates as Donald Trump awarded Fifa peace prize – live | World Cup 2026
Key events
Donald Trump: This ain’t the US President’s first cup draw rodeo, don’t you know?
The draw has begun: Mexico go into Group A, Canada into Group B and the USA into Group D. “Hopefully the draw will be finished in time for the first match in June,” says Jonathan Pearce on the BBC’s coverage, as Gianni invites Carney, Trump and Scheinbaum to join him for a selfie. It’s time for another montage, while the stage is prepared for the rest of the draw. We’re nearly there!!!
Alexis Petridis
VIP guest and Guardian music critic Alexis Petridis writes: Is it just me, or was the Robbie Williams/Nicole Sherzinger duet met with a fairly muted response in the Kennedy Centre? It was a standard issue stadium ballad enlivened slightly by the sneaking suspicion that Robbie Williams realised the lyrics he was singing were absolute tripe. Although nothing like the kind of tripe that’s currently being spewed on the video about Donald Trump.
“Privileged as I feel to have been invited to contribute to this livestream when the musical sections of the evening pop up, I feel I should point out that I’m The Guaridan’s rock and pop critic and I know absolutely nothing about opera, so I have no idea whatsoever if Andrea Boccelli’s performance of Nessun Dorma was any good or not. Still, as long as he was onstage, it meant Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger – and indeed Donald Trump – weren’t, so hats off to Andrea Boccelli – it’s a big thumbs up from me.
Gianni’s back: He introduces Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican president Claudia Scheinbaum and US president Donald Trump to draw the balls for the co-hosts to mark the start of tonight’s serious business.
Alexander Abnos
I tried in vain to get inside the main theater where the draw itself is taking place. No dice. But I am happily stationed now at a table just outside the doors, just off the red carpet here at the Kennedy Center. There are a lot of very important-looking people milling about. When Trump was announced as the Fifa Peace Prize winner everyone stopped in their tracks. Some light chuckles and laughs from the service personnel here. One or two eyerolls. Some genuine amazement too, just like many of us.
Lionel Scaloni: Former West Ham loanee Lionel Scaloni, who coached Argentina to victory in the last World Cup, brings out the trophy, addresses the crowd in Spanish and leaves. I don’t speak Spanish, so I can’t tell you what he said. Apologies. It seems Heidi has no idea what he said either, but she thanks him and sends him on his way.
Following Lionel’s speech, roving reporter Danny Ramirez interviews Roberto Carlos in the audience. He speaks in Portuguese, another language in which my prowess stretches only to “please”, “thank you” and ordering a beer. I don’t know what Roberto said either, but he didn’t say “please”, “thank you” or order a beer. He did mention David Beckham, mind.
Donald Trump reveals that this is one of the biggest honours of his life and then proceeds to reiterate how great he is, for the benefit of anyone who might have been in the rest room while Gianni was talking.
He tells the audience about the “millions and millions of lives” he and Infantino have saved, before mentioning the huge number of tickets Fifa have sold for the World Cup, while steering a wide berth of mentioning Fifa’s dynamic pricing strategy. He also nods to his Mexican and Canadian counterparts. It’s a mercifully short speech.
Donald Trump: ‘I’m going to wear it right now’
The American president accepts his medal and puts it around his own neck, before Gianni Infantino blows smoke up his nether regions by reading from his official Fifa Award certificate and telling him how great he is. “We want to see hope, we want to see unity, we want to see a future,” says Gianni. “This is what we want to see from a leader and you definitely deserve the first Fifa Peace Prize. You can always count on my support to help you make peace around the world. Thank you Mr President.”
Pass the bucket.
DONALD TRUMP WINS THE FIFA PEACE PRIZE!!!
Have that, Greta! In your face María Corina Machado! Well, who could have seen this coming? Gianni welcomes Donald Trump to the stage. “And now, the liars …”
It’s time for a montage: “Throughout human history, a call for peace has echoed across civilisations and generations. Every nation and every culkture has wished for peace because peace is the foundation on which prosperity, hope, security and unity are built …” intones voiceover man, over video footage of children playing and what-not. “When there is peace, children everywhere can find a field and a ball …”
It’s time for a new global honour, folks. Who could it be? Who is going to win the inaugural Fifa peace prize? I dunno about you but I’m on tenterhooks here to find out what “dynamic leader” is about to get the gong…
Another musical interlude: Robbie Williams and the former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger are the next musical cab of the rank, singing the all new World Cup anthem Desire. Altogether now …
Aim high, fly by, destiny’s in front of you (ooh)
It’s a beautiful game, and the dream is coming true
One love, one kind, this life’s in love with you (ooh)
You chase the sun, and the world will run with you
Football Has The Power To Unite The World: Kevin Hart is the first person to say it tonight and without further ado, he and Heidi engage in some carefully scripted banter before introducing a VT about a Fifa initiative to help educate kids by turning football’s global reach into global impact. Thank you Shakira, Hugh Jackman, Kaka and other celebrities I didn’t quite recognise.
Gianni Infantino: “Let me try something”,” asks Gianni, deciding to risk a bit of improv, which is never a good idea. He enquires if there are any Americans, Canadians and Mexicans in the room, is greeted by whoops of varying degrees of volume. On the count of three, the Americans are asked to chant: “USA! USA! USA!” The Canadian equivalent is comparatively half-hearted, but the Mexicans put both their fellow co-hosts to shame. And that’s it from MC Gianni, for now …
Gianni Infantino takes to the stage …
Towering over her co-host Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum welcomes Gianni Infantino to the stage. He says hello in several different languages and then tells everyone that football is “the language of love, passion and happiness”.
He describes Fifa as the official happiness provider of humanity for over 100 years, he welcomes US president Donald Trump, Mexico president Caludia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
In the audience: Almost to a man and woman, those in attendance are filming Andrea on their mobile phones. It’s good to know that it’s not just in the comparatively grotty surroundings of the excellent Brixton Academy that people don’t know how to lose themselves in music. This is being filmed for television, people! By professionals! Set your recorders and just enjoy the performance!
And now, a musical interlude: Wearing a navy crushed velvet tuxedo and black bow-tie, the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli gets proceedings under way on the stage of the John F Kennedy Centre with a rendition of Nessun Dorma. I’m as cynical as the next man but no matter how many times I hear it, it always gets the hairs up on my arms and the back of my neck.
And here we go … Over the next 90 minutes or so, the fickle finger of fate will be busily pointing at various nations as she decides who will play who at next summer’s 48-team World Cup finals to be staged in Canada, the USA and Mexico.
An email: “Greetings from the beautiful Beehive State (Utah) from a native Washingtonian (in a city full of careerist transplants, we do exist),” writes Mike S. “Looking at those lines to enter the ceremony I’m reminded of my favorite and most accurate description of Washington by JFK when he said it “is a city of Southern efficiency and Northern charm.’”
I have fond memories of World Cup 94 attending games at cavernous, leaky, decaying, cookie-cutter RFK stadium, particularly watching Saeed Al-Quairan’s breathtaking goal against a Belgium squad that featured the red booted (very fashion forward at the time) Enzo Scifo. Back then the Saudis were underdogs, and now, welp, they’re running the show with their billions. At least Gianni Cash is happy with the state of modern football. Money ruins everything!”
Donald Trump: If he is awarded the Fifa peace prize, Donald Trump will be expected to make a speech tonight and has apparently been given a two-minute time limit to air today’s grievances. Good luck with that, Gianni …
Spain 82 draw: With Rio Ferdinand in charge of today’s draw, it’s difficult to imagine anything going wrong. However, Chris Roberts has got in touch to remind us of the chaos that surrounded the draw for the World Cup in Spain 44 years ago. Well, either that or it’s Rio’s anxiety dream from last night …
An email: “Like every Irish football fan, I’m hoping to see the Euro Playoff D ball land in the same group as England, for reasons that need no explanation,” writes Justin Kavanagh. “Otherwise, a Scotland matchup would certainly ensure a good night out, and a game against Brazil or Argentina would give Ireland a slice of never-before-experienced World Cup history. As for the challenge of getting beyond the Czech Republic and Denmark? Well, we all know we’re above Parrotty with those lads!”
Sorry Justin but this Rep of Ireland fan can think of little worse than being put in a group with England and I’d say the feeling is mutual. See also: England v Scotland. It’s a World Cup, I want us to play somebody more exotic although I am prepared to concede that a match between the Republic of Ireland and Scotland would be some occasion. Anyway, I think as Irish fans we’re getting slightly ahead of ourselves.
While we wait: And to get you in the mood, here’s Alan Partridge’s World Cup Countdown To USA 94 (hat-tip: Paul Roche). Liquid football …
Alexander Abnos writes: At the JFK centre on behalf of the Guardian’s American bureau, Alexander tells us: “I have made it through the insane security line and ended up arriving right next to Mexico president Claudia Scheinbaum. She walked right past me.
“Moments later, I’ve been prevented from entering the media center because President Trump is too close to arrival. A group of about 20 or 30 journalists are gathered in a group outside waiting to get inside, but we are being held up by Secret Service and police.”
All the same, it’s going to be a terrific tournament, isn’t it? Thoughts and prayers, Alex. Thoughts and prayers.
The inaugural Fifa peace prize II: I subsequently asked Google Gemini to come up with 10 good reasons why President Trump should not win the gong and here is the response. Over to you Gianni …
Undermining International Institutions
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Critics point to the withdrawal of the US from significant multilateral agreements, such as the Paris Climate Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), arguing these actions destabilized global cooperation and consensus.
Weakening Traditional Alliances
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His “America first” policy and frequent public criticism of long-standing allies (e.g., NATO members, countries in Europe and Asia) are cited as disrupting global unity and fraternity—a core theme of the Fifa prize.
Transactional diplomacy over long-term peace
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Critics argue his diplomatic style is excessively transactional, prioritizing immediate political or economic wins over addressing the root causes of conflict or establishing durable, institutional peace processes.
Escalating geopolitical tensions
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Decisions such as the escalation of trade wars, increased tensions with countries like China and Iran, and the use of hard-power threats in regions like Latin America (e.g., towards Colombia or Venezuela) are seen as fostering conflict rather than reducing it.
Withdrawing from open borders and refugee principles
Disdain for human rights and democratic norms
Ignoring climate change as a peace threat
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Major international peace awards often recognize climate change as a key driver of future conflict (resource wars, mass migration). His administration’s strong policy stance against recognizing climate change is argued to be disqualifying.
Internal rhetoric of division and disunity
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Peace prizes typically look for a candidate whose overall message promotes harmony. Critics argue his political rhetoric, often characterized by division and attacks on the media and political opponents, is fundamentally at odds with the concept of a peace prize.
Controversial lobbying and self-promotion:
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The perception of an aggressive, public campaign to obtain international recognition, coupled with a history of criticizing committees that do not award him, is viewed by some as violating the “unwritten code” of quiet humility often associated with such honors.
Instability of diplomatic achievements:
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While the Abraham Accords are recognized, critics argue that many of his claimed peace efforts (like those with North Korea or in other regions) have not resulted in verifiable, sustained, or irreversible demilitarization or de-escalation, making them potentially temporary or fragile.
The inaugural Fifa peace prize: While nobody knows for certain who is going to win this prestigious gong, there is one white-hot favourite. Earlier today while messing around with the Artificial Intelligence tool, Google Gemini, I asked it to provide me with 10 good reasons why President Donald Trump would be a worthy winner. Here’s what it came up with and I cannot stress enough that these are not my words or opinions, but those of our AI overlords.
Brokering Peace in the Middle East
Facilitating the Abraham Accords
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Initiating and mediating the normalization of relations between Israel and several Arab nations (UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, and Kosovo), a major shift in decades of Middle East foreign policy.
Ending Specific International Conflicts
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The administration has claimed responsibility for mediating and ending several armed conflicts globally, including agreements between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, and a joint declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Promoting a “Peace Through Strength” doctrine
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Advocates argue his foreign policy approach, which prioritizes strong deterrence and decisive action, ultimately leads to peace by discouraging potential adversaries from engaging in conflict.
Direct diplomacy with adversaries
De-escalating the India-Pakistan conflict
Focus on economic incentives for peace
Shifting the paradigm of conflict resolution
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He defied traditional foreign policy assumptions by achieving normalization in the Middle East without first resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue, demonstrating a new model for diplomatic progress.
Leadership in hostage release
Global unity through football (Fifa’s motto)
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The US will be a key host of the 2026 World Cup, and a major diplomatic achievement by the sitting US President could be seen to align with the award’s full name, “Fifa Peace Prize – Football Unites the World,” by showcasing global cooperation ahead of the major tournament.
Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.
Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, four European playoff teams, two intercontinental playoff teams.
How the World Cup draw works
John covered it earlier but to save you scrolling all the way down, here’s a reminder of how tonight’s draw works, courtesy of Tom Lutz.
How does the draw work?
The 48 teams have been divided into four pots containing 12 teams each. Pot 1 consists of the three co-hosts – USA, Mexico and Canada – along with the nine top teams in the current Fifa rankings. The next three pots were decided by the Fifa rankings, with the lowest-ranked qualified teams in Pot 4. The 12 groups for the World Cup will then be formed by one team from each pot (full pots listed later).
It can’t be that simple, eh?
No. There are still six qualification places to be decided via playoffs in late March, and teams involved in those matches have been placed in Pot 4. That means a team such as Italy will be ostensibly the weakest opponents in a group, even though they have won the World Cup four times and are ranked No 12 in the world, should they come through the European qualifying playoffs.
Teams from the same qualifying conference should, in theory, not be in the same group. But that is impossible for European teams as Uefa will have 16 teams in the draw. There will, though, be a maximum of two European teams in any group. In addition, the top four teams in the Fifa rankings – Spain, Argentina, France and England – cannot face each other until the semi-finals (of course, they have to make it there first), provided they win their groups.
Tonight’s co-presenters: The experienced, steady pair of steady pairs of hands that are Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart will be chairing proceedings from Washington. Given that Klum used to be a supermodel and Hart is famously diminutive in stature, we could be about to bear witness to the greatest disparity in height between two co-hosts of a major televised ceremony since Mick Fleetwood and Samantha Fox presented the 1989 Brit Awards. Here’s hoping today’s World Cup draw goes a little more smoothly than that particularly shambolic affair.
Hello everybody. With less than an hour to go until the ceremony begins, I’m certainly excited and my nation, the Republic of Ireland, hasn’t even secured qualification yet. With apologies to the Czech Republic, Denmark and/or North Macedonia, it’s only a formality, I’m … er, sure.
Here’s Barry…
Source: www.theguardian.com
Published: 2025-12-05 23:27:00
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