President Donald Trump hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office on 22 Aug 2025, where Infantino presented him with the first ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final—row one, seat one, ticket number 45/47. The gesture underscored the close coordination between the White House and world football’s governing body ahead of the expanded tournament. During the event, Trump confirmed that the World Cup group-stage draw will be held on 5 Dec 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, calling the 48-team competition “the biggest and most complex sporting event ever staged.” Ticket sales are scheduled to open on 10 Sept 2025. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said visa applications from overseas spectators will be “thoroughly vetted,” adding that the approval process will be swift for some nationalities but more stringent for others. Trump echoed that stance, noting that U.S. authorities will assess applicants’ attitudes toward the United States when determining entry eligibility. Trump also told reporters he may invite Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend matches, including the final, depending on developments in the war in Ukraine over the coming weeks. The 2026 World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Sixteen cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico and two in Canada—will host matches in the first tournament to feature 48 teams.