The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered an unexpected twist when FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented US President Donald Trump with the organization’s inaugural Peace Prize.
During the ceremony, Infantino praised Trump’s leadership, stating: “This is what we want to see from a leader, and you certainly deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize. You can always count on my support in your efforts to achieve peace around the world.”
🚨 FOX NEWS ALERT: The 2025 Fifa Peace Prize is awarded to Donald J Trump "in recognition of his exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world,” says Fifa’s President pic.twitter.com/Zq0P1wWcjd
— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) December 5, 2025
Trump: “I’ll Wear It Right Away”
Accepting the award, Trump placed the medal around his neck immediately. In his brief remarks, he described the honor as one of the greatest recognitions of his life. He went on to say that his actions had saved “millions and millions of lives,” referencing conflicts he claimed were prevented in regions such as the Congo, India, and Pakistan.
Trump also used the moment to compliment Infantino for record-breaking World Cup ticket sales, noting: “You’ve set new standards. The numbers are beyond what anyone thought possible.”
He concluded by asserting that “the world is a safer place now,” adding that the United States has become “the hottest country in the world right now.”
Following the award presentation, Trump returned to the stage alongside the president of Mexico and the prime minister of Canada to officially begin the group draw.
Group draw for the 2026 World Cup
The World Cup draw, featuring 42 of the 48 qualified teams, unfolded amid growing excitement as preparations intensify for the largest tournament the sport has ever seen.
From 11 June to 19 July 2026, Canada, Mexico and the United States will share hosting duties for the expanded 48 team event, marking the first time the World Cup will be staged across three countries.
The 12 FIFA World Cup groups
- Group 1: Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, European Playoffs (Denmark/North Macedonia/Czech Republic/Ireland)
- Group 2: Canada, European Playoffs (Italy/Northern Ireland/Wales/Bosnia), Qatar, Switzerland
- Group 3: Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
- Group 4: United States, Australia, Paraguay, European Playoffs (Turkey/Romania/Slovakia/Kosovo)
- Group 5: Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
- Group 6: Netherlands, Japan, European Playoffs (Ukraine/Sweden/Poland/Albania), Tunisia
- Group 7: Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
- Group 8: Spain, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Cape Verde
- Group 9: France, Senegal, Norway, Intercontinental Playoffs (Bolivia/Suriname/Iraq)
- Group 10: Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
- Group 11: Portugal, Uzbekistan, Colombia, Intercontinental Playoffs (New Caledonia/Jamaica/DR Congo)
- Group 12: England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
The World Cup draw is complete ✍️
See you in June 2026 ⌛️ pic.twitter.com/NgSPjhl1qL
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 5, 2025
The final six spots: UEFA and Intercontinental Playoffs
With 42 teams confirmed, the remaining six berths will be decided through four UEFA playoff paths and two intercontinental matchups.
UEFA Playoffs (4 Spots)
Path A Semifinals:
- Italy vs. Northern Ireland
- Wales vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina
- Final: Winner of Wales–Bosnia vs. Winner of Italy–Northern Ireland
Stage B Semifinals:
- Ukraine vs. Sweden
- Poland vs. Albania
- Final: Winner of Ukraine–Sweden vs. Winner of Poland–Albania
Path C Semifinals:
- Turkey vs. Romania
- Slovakia vs. Kosovo
- Final: Winner of Slovakia–Kosovo vs. Winner of Turkey–Romania
Semifinal round D:
- Denmark vs. North Macedonia
- Czech Republic vs. Ireland
- Final: Winner of Czech Republic–Ireland vs. Winner of Denmark–North Macedonia
Intercontinental Playoffs (2 Spots)
Matchup 1:
- Semifinal: New Caledonia vs. Jamaica
- Final: DR Congo vs. Winner of Semifinal
Matchup 2:
- Semifinal: Bolivia vs. Suriname
- Final: Iraq vs. Winner of Semifinal
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