Donald Trump Announces 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw in Washington, D.C., and Shares a Personal Story About Barron

President Donald Trump confirmed that the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Appearing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump made the announcement while also joking about his own “athletic abilities,” telling reporters, “I may play,” which drew laughter from the press.

The lighthearted moment quickly shifted to a more personal note when Trump brought up his youngest son, Barron Trump, who has often drawn attention for his remarkable height. The president shared that Barron, now 19 and entering his second year at New York University, stands at an extraordinary 6’9” tall.

“He’s a very good athlete, a really good soccer player,” Trump said, adding that his son’s towering frame is “a little on the tall side for the game.”

Barron’s height has been a frequent topic of discussion in the media, with Trump once attributing it to the homemade meals prepared by Barron’s late grandmother, Amalija Knavs. Beyond height, Barron has long shown a love for sports. He played basketball in Central Park as a child, enjoys golf outings with his father, and is a known Arsenal F.C. supporter. In 2017, D.C. United even presented him with a customized soccer ball before he joined their youth academy as a midfielder.

Trump also reminisced about the time Russian President Vladimir Putin gave him the official match ball from the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Trump joked at the time that he would pass it along to Barron, though U.S. law prevented him from formally accepting the gift.

During the announcement, Trump held the FIFA World Cup trophy, with Infantino reminding the crowd it was “only for winners.” Trump responded with a quip of his own, saying it would look perfect in the Oval Office.

The event was attended by key figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, with Trump calling the World Cup draw an “incredible honor” for the nation’s capital.