The FIFA World Cup draw on Friday at Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., marked the beginning of the journey for teams to win the most prestigious trophy in soccer.
At the drawing, FIFA President Gianni Infantino decided by lottery which teams will compete against each other. The U.S. was placed in Group D and fill face Paraguay, Australia and the winner of the European playoff – either Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye – in the group stage.
Minutes before the draw, Infantino awarded President Donald Trump the first ever FIFA Peace Prize – a new honor that FIFA says is awarded to someone who takes “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace and by doing so have united people across the world.” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were also in attendance.
This World Cup comes with a series of historic firsts, including hosting the tournament in three countries: Mexico, United States and Canada. There will be 48 teams participating, making it the largest tournament in FIFA history. Six teams are still competing for a seat in the group stage, qualifying will take place in March.
Global superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentine national soccer team look to defend their title after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Fans at the Amphitheater in Doral Central Park watched with eagerness and excitement to see who their country will play against in the summer.
“It’s an interesting one,” said Colombian fan Daniela at the watch party. “It’s been a lot of chaos with the tickets, but I’m happy it’s where I live and hopefully I can make it to a game.”
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens will host seven matches, including a knockout round, a quarter-final and a bronze final. Countries like Uruguay, Portugal, Colombia and Saudi Arabia will play matches in Miami-Dade County.
Click here to learn more about tickets and match times.
