World Cup 2026 draw updates as Donald Trump awarded Fifa peace prize – dwell | World Cup 2026
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Key occasions
One other musical interlude: Lauryn Hill is rocking the mic and introduces a younger rapper I imagine to be her son, John Nesta Marley. “How ya’ll feeling!?!?!” he asks the group … twice, a request that’s greeted by nearly whole indifference and full silence. That is toe-curling cringe however they’re soldiering on.
Donald Trump: This ain’t the US President’s first cup draw rodeo, don’t ?
The draw has begun: Mexico go into Group A, Canada into Group B and the USA into Group D. “Hopefully the draw will probably be completed in time for the primary match in June,” says Jonathan Pearce on the BBC’s protection, as Gianni invitations Carney, Trump and Scheinbaum to hitch him for a selfie. It’s time for one more montage, whereas the stage is ready for the remainder of the draw. We’re practically there!!!
Alexis Petridis
VIP visitor and Guardian music critic Alexis Petridis writes: Is it simply me, or was the Robbie Williams/Nicole Sherzinger duet met with a reasonably muted response within the Kennedy Centre? It was an ordinary situation stadium ballad enlivened barely by the sneaking suspicion that Robbie Williams realised the lyrics he was singing have been absolute tripe. Though nothing just like the sort of tripe that’s at the moment being spewed on the video about Donald Trump.
“Privileged as I really feel to have been invited to contribute to this livestream when the musical sections of the night pop up, I really feel I ought to level out that I’m The Guaridan’s rock and pop critic and I do know completely nothing about opera, so I don’t know by any means if Andrea Boccelli’s efficiency of Nessun Dorma was any good or not. Nonetheless, so long as he was onstage, it meant Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger – and certainly Donald Trump – weren’t, so hats off to Andrea Boccelli – it’s a giant thumbs up from me.
Gianni’s again: He introduces Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican president Claudia Scheinbaum and US president Donald Trump to attract the balls for the co-hosts to mark the beginning of tonight’s critical enterprise.
Alexander Abnos
I attempted in useless to get inside the principle theater the place the draw itself is going down. No cube. However I’m fortunately stationed now at a desk simply exterior the doorways, simply off the purple carpet right here on the Kennedy Heart. There are quite a lot of very important-looking individuals milling about. When Trump was introduced because the Fifa Peace Prize winner everybody stopped of their tracks. Some mild chuckles and laughs from the service personnel right here. One or two eyerolls. Some real amazement too, similar to many people.
Lionel Scaloni: Former West Ham loanee Lionel Scaloni, who coached Argentina to victory within the final World Cup, brings out the trophy, addresses the group in Spanish and leaves. I don’t communicate Spanish, so I can’t inform you what he mentioned. Apologies. It appears Heidi has no thought what he mentioned both, however she thanks him and sends him on his method.
Following Lionel’s speech, roving reporter Danny Ramirez interviews Roberto Carlos within the viewers. He speaks in Portuguese, one other language during which my prowess stretches solely to “please”, “thanks” and ordering a beer. I don’t know what Roberto mentioned both, however he didn’t say “please”, “thanks” or order a beer. He did point out David Beckham, thoughts.
Donald Trump reveals that this is among the greatest honours of his life after which proceeds to reiterate how nice he’s, for the advantage of anybody who might need been in the remainder room whereas Gianni was speaking.
He tells the viewers concerning the “hundreds of thousands and hundreds of thousands of lives” he and Infantino have saved, earlier than mentioning the massive variety of tickets Fifa have offered for the World Cup, whereas steering a large berth of mentioning Fifa’s dynamic pricing technique. He additionally nods to his Mexican and Canadian counterparts. It’s a mercifully brief speech.
Donald Trump: ‘I’ll put on it proper now’
The American president accepts his medal and places it round his personal neck, earlier than Gianni Infantino blows smoke up his nether areas by studying from his official Fifa Award certificates and telling him how nice he’s. “We need to see hope, we need to see unity, we need to see a future,” says Gianni. “That is what we need to see from a pacesetter and also you undoubtedly deserve the primary Fifa Peace Prize. You may all the time depend on my help that can assist you make peace around the globe. Thanks Mr President.”
Cross the bucket.
DONALD TRUMP WINS THE FIFA PEACE PRIZE!!!
Have that, Greta! In your face María Corina Machado! Nicely, who might have seen this coming? Gianni welcomes Donald Trump to the stage. “And now, the liars …”
It’s time for a montage: “All through human historical past, a name for peace has echoed throughout civilisations and generations. Each nation and each culkture has wished for peace as a result of peace is the inspiration on which prosperity, hope, safety and unity are constructed …” intones voiceover man, over video footage of youngsters enjoying and what-not. “When there may be peace, youngsters all over the place can discover a area and a ball …”
It’s time for a brand new international honour, people. Who might or not it’s? Who’s going to win the inaugural Fifa peace prize? I dunno about you however I’m on tenterhooks right here to seek out out what “dynamic chief” is about to get the gong…
One other musical interlude: Robbie Williams and the previous Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger are the following musical cab of the rank, singing the all new World Cup anthem Need. Altogether now …
Goal excessive, fly by, future’s in entrance of you (ooh)
It’s a fantastic sport, and the dream is coming true
One love, one sort, this life’s in love with you (ooh)
You chase the solar, and the world will run with you
Soccer Has The Energy To Unite The World: Kevin Hart is the primary individual to say it tonight and with out additional ado, he and Heidi interact in some rigorously scripted banter earlier than introducing a VT a couple of Fifa initiative to assist educate children by turning soccer’s international attain into international influence. Thanks Shakira, Hugh Jackman, Kaka and different celebrities I didn’t fairly recognise.
Gianni Infantino: “Let me strive one thing”,” asks Gianni, deciding to threat a little bit of improv, which isn’t a good suggestion. He enquires if there are any People, Canadians and Mexicans within the room, is greeted by whoops of various levels of quantity. On the depend of three, the People are requested to chant: “USA! USA! USA!” The Canadian equal is relatively half-hearted, however the Mexicans put each their fellow co-hosts to disgrace. And that’s it from MC Gianni, for now …
Gianni Infantino takes to the stage …
Towering over her co-host Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum welcomes Gianni Infantino to the stage. He says hiya in a number of completely different languages after which tells everybody that soccer is “the language of affection, ardour and happiness”.
He describes Fifa because the official happiness supplier of humanity for over 100 years, he welcomes US president Donald Trump, Mexico president Caludia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Within the viewers: Virtually to a person and lady, these in attendance are filming Andrea on their cellphones. It’s good to know that it’s not simply within the comparatively grotty environment of the superb Brixton Academy that folks don’t know how you can lose themselves in music. That is being filmed for tv, individuals! By professionals! Set your recorders and simply get pleasure from the efficiency!
And now, a musical interlude: Sporting a navy crushed velvet tuxedo and black bow-tie, the Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will get proceedings underneath method on the stage of the John F Kennedy Centre with a rendition of Nessun Dorma. I’m as cynical as the following man however regardless of what number of occasions I hear it, it all the time will get the hairs up on my arms and the again of my neck.
And right here we go … Over the following 90 minutes or so, the fickle finger of destiny will probably be busily pointing at numerous nations as she decides who will play who at subsequent summer season’s 48-team World Cup finals to be staged in Canada, the USA and Mexico.
An e-mail: “Greetings from the attractive Beehive State (Utah) from a local Washingtonian (in a metropolis filled with careerist transplants, we do exist),” writes Mike S. “Taking a look at these strains to enter the ceremony I’m reminded of my favourite and most correct description of Washington by JFK when he mentioned it “is a metropolis of Southern effectivity and Northern attraction.’”
I’ve fond reminiscences of World Cup 94 attending video games at cavernous, leaky, decaying, cookie-cutter RFK stadium, notably watching Saeed Al-Quairan’s breathtaking purpose towards a Belgium squad that featured the purple booted (very vogue ahead on the time) Enzo Scifo. Again then the Saudis have been underdogs, and now, welp, they’re working the present with their billions. At the least Gianni Money is pleased with the state of contemporary soccer. Cash ruins every thing!”
Donald Trump: If he’s awarded the Fifa peace prize, Donald Trump will probably be anticipated to make a speech tonight and has apparently been given a two-minute time restrict to air at present’s grievances. Good luck with that, Gianni …
Spain 82 draw: With Rio Ferdinand accountable for at present’s draw, it’s tough to think about something going unsuitable. Nonetheless, Chris Roberts has acquired in contact to remind us of the chaos that surrounded the draw for the World Cup in Spain 44 years in the past. Nicely, both that or it’s Rio’s anxiousness dream from final evening …
An e-mail: “Like each Irish soccer fan, I’m hoping to see the Euro Playoff D ball land in the identical group as England, for causes that want no clarification,” writes Justin Kavanagh. “In any other case, a Scotland matchup would definitely guarantee a great evening out, and a sport towards Brazil or Argentina would give Eire a slice of never-before-experienced World Cup historical past. As for the problem of getting past the Czech Republic and Denmark? Nicely, everyone knows we’re above Parrotty with these lads!”
Sorry Justin however this Rep of Eire fan can consider little worse than being put in a gaggle with England and I’d say the sensation is mutual. See additionally: England v Scotland. It’s a World Cup, I need us to play any person extra unique though I’m ready to concede {that a} match between the Republic of Eire and Scotland can be some event. Anyway, I feel as Irish followers we’re getting barely forward of ourselves.
Whereas we wait: And to get you within the temper, right here’s Alan Partridge’s World Cup Countdown To USA 94 (hat-tip: Paul Roche). Liquid soccer …
Alexander Abnos writes: On the JFK centre on behalf of the Guardian’s American bureau, Alexander tells us: “I’ve made it by the insane safety line and ended up arriving proper subsequent to Mexico president Claudia Scheinbaum. She walked proper previous me.
“Moments later, I’ve been prevented from coming into the media heart as a result of President Trump is simply too near arrival. A bunch of about 20 or 30 journalists are gathered in a gaggle exterior ready to get inside, however we’re being held up by Secret Service and police.”
All the identical, it’s going to be a terrific match, isn’t it? Ideas and prayers, Alex. Ideas and prayers.
The inaugural Fifa peace prize II: I subsequently requested Google Gemini to give you 10 good explanation why President Trump ought to not win the gong and right here is the response. Over to you Gianni …
Undermining Worldwide Establishments
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Critics level to the withdrawal of the US from important multilateral agreements, such because the Paris Local weather Accord and the Iran Nuclear Deal (JCPOA), arguing these actions destabilized international cooperation and consensus.
Weakening Conventional Alliances
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His “America first” coverage and frequent public criticism of long-standing allies (e.g., NATO members, nations in Europe and Asia) are cited as disrupting international unity and fraternity—a core theme of the Fifa prize.
Transactional diplomacy over long-term peace
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Critics argue his diplomatic fashion is excessively transactional, prioritizing instant political or financial wins over addressing the basis causes of battle or establishing sturdy, institutional peace processes.
Escalating geopolitical tensions
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Selections such because the escalation of commerce wars, elevated tensions with nations like China and Iran, and the usage of hard-power threats in areas like Latin America (e.g., in direction of Colombia or Venezuela) are seen as fostering battle slightly than lowering it.
Withdrawing from open borders and refugee ideas
Disdain for human rights and democratic norms
Ignoring local weather change as a peace menace
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Main worldwide peace awards usually acknowledge local weather change as a key driver of future battle (useful resource wars, mass migration). His administration’s robust coverage stance towards recognizing local weather change is argued to be disqualifying.
Inner rhetoric of division and disunity
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Peace prizes usually search for a candidate whose total message promotes concord. Critics argue his political rhetoric, usually characterised by division and assaults on the media and political opponents, is essentially at odds with the idea of a peace prize.
Controversial lobbying and self-promotion:
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The notion of an aggressive, public marketing campaign to acquire worldwide recognition, coupled with a historical past of criticizing committees that don’t award him, is considered by some as violating the “unwritten code” of quiet humility usually related to such honors.
Instability of diplomatic achievements:
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Whereas the Abraham Accords are acknowledged, critics argue that lots of his claimed peace efforts (like these with North Korea or in different areas) haven’t resulted in verifiable, sustained, or irreversible demilitarization or de-escalation, making them probably short-term or fragile.
The inaugural Fifa peace prize: Whereas no person is aware of for sure who’s going to win this prestigious gong, there may be one white-hot favorite. Earlier at present whereas messing round with the Synthetic Intelligence instrument, Google Gemini, I requested it to supply me with 10 good explanation why President Donald Trump can be a worthy winner. Right here’s what it got here up with and I can’t stress sufficient that these will not be my phrases or opinions, however these of our AI overlords.
Brokering Peace within the Center East
Facilitating the Abraham Accords
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Initiating and mediating the normalization of relations between Israel and a number of other Arab nations (UAE, Bahrain, Sudan, Morocco, and Kosovo), a significant shift in a long time of Center East international coverage.
Ending Particular Worldwide Conflicts
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The administration has claimed accountability for mediating and ending a number of armed conflicts globally, together with agreements between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, and a joint declaration between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Selling a “Peace By Power” doctrine
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Advocates argue his international coverage strategy, which prioritizes robust deterrence and decisive motion, in the end results in peace by discouraging potential adversaries from partaking in battle.
Direct diplomacy with adversaries
De-escalating the India-Pakistan battle
Give attention to financial incentives for peace
Shifting the paradigm of battle decision
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He defied conventional international coverage assumptions by attaining normalization within the Center East with out first resolving the Israeli-Palestinian situation, demonstrating a brand new mannequin for diplomatic progress.
Management in hostage launch
World unity by soccer (Fifa’s motto)
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The US will probably be a key host of the 2026 World Cup, and a significant diplomatic achievement by the sitting US President may very well be seen to align with the award’s full identify, “Fifa Peace Prize – Soccer Unites the World,” by showcasing international cooperation forward of the most important match.
Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, USA, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Iran, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia.
Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Côte d’Ivoire, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa.
Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curaçao, Haiti, New Zealand, 4 European playoff groups, two intercontinental playoff groups.
How the World Cup draw works
John lined it earlier however to avoid wasting you scrolling all the best way down, right here’s a reminder of how tonight’s draw works, courtesy of Tom Lutz.
How does the draw work?
The 48 groups have been divided into 4 pots containing 12 groups every. Pot 1 consists of the three co-hosts – USA, Mexico and Canada – together with the 9 prime groups within the present Fifa rankings. The subsequent three pots have been determined by the Fifa rankings, with the lowest-ranked certified groups in Pot 4. The 12 teams for the World Cup will then be shaped by one workforce from every pot (full pots listed later).
It will probably’t be that easy, eh?
No. There are nonetheless six qualification locations to be determined through playoffs in late March, and groups concerned in these matches have been positioned in Pot 4. Meaning a workforce equivalent to Italy will probably be ostensibly the weakest opponents in a gaggle, although they’ve received the World Cup 4 occasions and are ranked No 12 on this planet, ought to they arrive by the European qualifying playoffs.
Groups from the identical qualifying convention ought to, in principle, not be in the identical group. However that’s inconceivable for European groups as Uefa could have 16 groups within the draw. There’ll, although, be a most of two European groups in any group. As well as, the highest 4 groups within the Fifa rankings – Spain, Argentina, France and England – can’t face one another till the semi-finals (in fact, they should make it there first), offered they win their teams.
Tonight’s co-presenters: The skilled, regular pair of regular pairs of palms which might be Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart will probably be chairing proceedings from Washington. Provided that Klum was a supermodel and Hart is famously diminutive in stature, we may very well be about to bear witness to the best disparity in peak between two co-hosts of a significant televised ceremony since Mick Fleetwood and Samantha Fox offered the 1989 Brit Awards. Right here’s hoping at present’s World Cup draw goes somewhat extra easily than that notably shambolic affair.
Good day all people. With lower than an hour to go till the ceremony begins, I’m definitely excited and my nation, the Republic of Eire, hasn’t even secured qualification but. With apologies to the Czech Republic, Denmark and/or North Macedonia, it’s solely a formality, I’m … er, certain.
Right here’s Barry…
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