World Cup qualifying for European teams begins in September. But FIFA said 42 of the 48 teams that will compete in the 2026 World Cup will have qualified by Dec. 5. The final six spots will be determined by playoff matches in March.

President Donald Trump on Friday showed off a photograph he said Russian President Vladimir Putin sent him of them standing side by side a week ago in Alaska. Trump brandished the picture in the Oval Office as he announced the 2026 World Cup draw will be hosted in Washington at the Kennedy Center.

Watch live coverage as President Trump makes an announcement at the White House.

President Donald Trump said Friday he would “rather not” join a potential meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, though he left the door open.

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump's leadership qualities and expressed hope for restoring Russia-US relations. Trump stated he would "prefer not" to attend a potential meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy,