Three Presidents Take Center Stage: A Historic World Cup 2026 Draw enters the Spotlight
5 December 2025
Event highlights
The draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered an unprecedented moment in the tournament's history, as the three host nations—United States, Canada, and Mexico—participated in drawing a portion of the groups, in an event deemed the most extraordinary since the World Cup began nearly a century ago.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino opened the ceremony by confirming major changes to the draw system, saying: "The draw program has changed; everything has changed in the draw system. Thank goodness there are people who will help me today".
Moments and context
Before the draw began, Infantino presented the three presidents to the audience, then said, pointing to the golden balls on the podium: "So these are the World Cup balls... let's begin".
The draw proper started with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who stated: "This will be the biggest event in history".
Then came remarks by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who expressed pride in hosting the World Cup for the third time, adding: "We have a wonderful and hardworking people, and we love football and enjoy it".
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump praised football's global leadership, saying: "Football will grow well... I have watched Pelé, one of the best players in the history of the game".
Trump also noted the ticket demand, saying: "Tickets are selling at record numbers".
The three presidents drew the opening teams in their countries' groups, and after a moment of crowd reaction, Infantino shared a historic selfie with the three leaders on stage, amid loud applause and media whirlwind.
Infantino then delivered a short address: "Thanks to the presidents who participated in the draw", before the guests left the stage, leaving the rest of the ceremony to FIFA representatives.
The fact that three heads of state participated in drawing part of the World Cup draw marks a historic first and underscores the political, sporting, and economic importance of 2026, which is set to be the biggest edition ever in terms of participating nations, host cities, and expected crowds.
Punchline 1: If this draw were a sniper, it would hit the target every time—precise, suspenseful, and oddly charming.
Punchline 2: And if politics and football collide, at least the ball keeps rolling and my brackets stay hilariously optimistic.
