The ceremony at Washington's Kennedy Center honored Trump's diplomatic efforts like the Abraham Accords, though some dismissed it as a Nobel consolation.
It preceded the group draw for the expanded 48-team
2026 tournament across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, starting June 11 with
Mexico vs. South Africa.
Hosts drew favorably: U.S. in Group D with
Paraguay, Australia, and a playoff team; intriguing matchups include France,
Senegal, Norway in Group I and England, Croatia, Ghana in Group L.
