The World Cup draw featured Gianni Infantino, Donald Trump and other host-nation leaders as FIFA unveiled the 12 four-team groups for next year's tournament.

Disgraced FIFA ex-president Sepp Blatter has been one of the harshest critics of Gianni Infantino's growing closeness with Donald Trump in recent times

Infantino fully bypassed the FIFA Council in deciding to create and award the prize to Trump, according to three people familiar with conversations between Infantino and the council’s members. Even the vice presidents who were given a heads-up ahead of time say they were simply being told after the decision was made.

The 2026 World Cup draw took an unexpected turn as President Donald Trump was honored with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize. Close ally Gianni Infantino praised Trump’s global diplomacy, calling him deserving of recognition.

The World Cup draw gives the tournament’s host cities a better idea of which countries’ teams and fanbases will be visiting.