"The 2026 World Cup draw will begin Friday with a wintry feel as snow fell outside the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 189 days ahead of an expanded 48-nation tournament. There were long lines outside the complex even at 7 a.m. as workers and media filed through with Secret Service agents securing the area. President Donald Trump of the U.S. and Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico were expected to attend along with Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney."
"Frustrated he hasn't been awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, Trump was likely to be given FIFA's first peace prize during the ceremony to determine matches for the first round of the 104-game tournament, to be played in the U.S., Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. A red carpet was laid outside the arts center, taken over this year by Trump and his supporters."
"Retired stars Tom Brady of the NFL, Shaquille O'Neal of the NBA and Wayne Gretzky of the NHL along with three-time AL MVP Aaron Judge were to assist in a ceremony run by former England captain Rio Ferdinand. All 11 of the highest-ranked teams were in the draw, with No. 12 Italy among 22 nations competing in playoffs for the final six berths to be decided March 31."
The World Cup draw occurred amid snowfall outside the Kennedy Center 189 days before the expanded 48-nation tournament. Long lines formed early as workers, media and Secret Service secured the venue. President Donald Trump, Mexico's Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada Prime Minister Mark Carney were expected to attend. Trump was likely to receive FIFA's first peace prize during the draw ceremony. Retired athletes Tom Brady, Shaquille O'Neal, Wayne Gretzky and Aaron Judge participated in a ceremony run by Rio Ferdinand. All top 11 teams entered the draw; Italy is among 22 nations in playoffs for six remaining berths. The tournament opens June 11 in Mexico City, with U.S. venues hosting quarterfinals onward using 11 NFL stadiums.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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