From left to right: TK Harvey (Meridian International Center), Felipe Garcia Landa (Embassy of Mexico to the U.S.), Peter McKernan (Embassy of Canada to the U.S.), Dr. Darren Beattie (U.S. Department of State), Christina Kolbjornsen (NBC Telemundo), and Bill Russo (Airbnb), December 5th, 2025 during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
The FIFA World Cup returns to the United States for the first time in more than three decades, marking one of the most anticipated global sporting moments of the decade. In 2026, the United States, together with co-hosts Mexico and Canada, will welcome forty-eight of the world’s top national teams for an expanded tournament designed to bring unprecedented energy, economic activity, and international attention to North America. With a record number of nations participating, the tournament stands to showcase football’s ability to transcend borders and bring together diverse communities and cultures from around the globe
With excitement building for this year's North American World Cup, Meridian International Center and FIFA organized a watch party in honor of the Kennedy Center Draw. Together with diplomats from 21 different qualified nations, sports diplomacy thought leaders, corporate executives, and passionate soccer (fútbol) fans, participants watched as the 12 groups were officially drawn. This is the milestone moment that determines who plays whom, setting the stage for rivalries, storylines, and global anticipation ahead of the world’s most-watched sporting event.
Beyond the draw itself, the event offered a unique opportunity to explore how international sports serve as a platform for diplomacy, cultural exchange, and cooperation. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico preparing to host the largest-ever World Cup, this moment underscores the powerful role global sporting events play in connecting nations, advancing shared values, and celebrating the diversity that defines our international community.
This watch party was made possible through the generous support of Airbnb and Telemundo.
Mafalda Paiva e Silva (Embassy of Portugal to the U.S.) and Peter McKernan (Embassy of Canada to the U.S.) pose for a photo during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Diplomats from the Embassy of Mexico to the U.S. pose for a group photo during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
From left to right: Maurice Ouderland (Embassy of the Netherlands to the U.S.) Wilfred Hulzebosch (Embassy of the Netherlands to the U.S.), Deborah Van den Brande (Embassy of the Netherlands to the U.S.), guest of the Embassy of the Netherlands, Dan Mickleson (U.S. Department of State), and Monica Schagen (Embassy of the Netherlands to the U.S.) pose in front of the FIFA step & repeat during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Ms. Guillermina Saldana (Embassy of Argentina to the U.S.) and Ms. Victoria Molteni (Embassy of Argentina to the U.S.) pose for a picture during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Attendees gather to view the live broadcast of the Kennedy Center draw during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Guests pose for a group photo during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Ms. Miriam Smallman (Embassy of Belgium to the U.S.) reacts to draw results during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Ray Bucheger (Accelerate Strategies), Charles Rathburn (Hogan Lovells) and guest react to draw results during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
Hamilton Fernandez (Embassy of Cabo Verde to the U.S.), Nilson Andrade Santos (Embassy of Cabo Verde to the U.S.) , Marleny DaRosa (Embassy of Cabo Verde to the U.S.) and Rick Wade (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) pose with the flag of Cabo Verde during the FIFA 2026tm World Cup Watch Party at White-Meyer House in Washington, DC. Photo by Stephen Bobb.
