Trump Discusses FIFA World Cup and Crime in D.C.

On Friday, President Donald Trump spoke about the administration’s efforts to address crime in Washington, D.C., while also announcing details about the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. The draw for the group stage will take place at the Kennedy Center on December 5th, which Trump mentioned with a hint of humor, joking that some refer to it as the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”

Joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Kristi Noem from Homeland Security, Trump expressed pride in hosting such a major global event. He emphasized that it was significant to bring the best athletes in the world to the capital of the United States. “It’s an honor,” he said. “We’re excited to welcome these incredible athletes.” He even took a moment to highlight the reduction in crime statistics, proclaiming that D.C. has seen the lowest crime rates in years, although he acknowledged the seriousness of the figure being “zero.”

Trump also made some pointed comments about the local leadership, suggesting that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser needed to address certain challenges or risk her position: “If she doesn’t act, she won’t be in office long.” The president conveyed confidence to Infantino about the city’s ability to manage the upcoming events, noting the extensive preparations required for what he termed “the largest and most complex series of events in sports history.”

The FIFA World Cup, set to take place starting in June 2026, will feature matches across 16 U.S. cities, including major locations like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Miami. This marks the first time in over 20 years that the World Cup will be held across multiple countries, beginning with an expanded lineup of 48 teams and a total of 104 matches.

In a broader context, Trump’s administration has been focused on promoting safety and security while also fostering major sporting events, which seem to serve as symbols of national pride and unity going forward.