The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw was meant to spotlight football. Instead, it became a stage for President Donald Trump, who turned the event into a spectacle of flattery, politics and reality-show theatrics at the Kennedy Center on Friday night.

Trump arrived on the red carpet with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at his side, reinforcing a partnership that has drawn scrutiny during both of Trump’s terms. Infantino ensured the spotlight never drifted far, praising the president with gusto as a slick video unveiled Trump as the inaugural recipient of FIFA’s new Peace Prize.

“Mr. President, this is your prize. This is your peace prize,” Infantino said, handing Trump a gleaming gold medal. Trump slipped it over his neck. “I’m going to wear it right now,” he said.

Infantino’s praise played directly to Trump’s irritation over not winning the Nobel Peace Prize weeks earlier. But the award came despite condemnation from human rights groups, who argued that Trump’s migration policies, deployment of troops to several U.S. cities and military posturing near Venezuela contradicted the prize’s spirit.

The California governor’s office mocked the gesture, posting an image of a child’s participation medal with the caption: “If you had fun, you won!” Trump appeared unfazed. He even suggested renaming American football to avoid confusion with the global sport that Americans call soccer.

Leaders take the stage

The evening veered further into the surreal when Infantino summoned Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to the stage. As leaders of the three tournament co-hosts, their appearance was billed as a show of unity amid disputes over Trump’s tariffs, his talk of annexing Canada and his musings about using missile strikes against drug traffickers in Mexico.

But instead of diplomacy, the moment resembled a bright-lit TV game show. The leaders stood behind colored desks and opened balls containing the opening names of the draw. Carney drew Canada. Sheinbaum drew Mexico. Trump, sensing what was coming, grinned.

“I think I know what this is going to be now,” he said to laughter. “This is shocking,” he added, holding a slip reading “USA.” The group posed for a selfie that Infantino quickly posted on Instagram with the caption: “Football unites the world.”

Trump, scheduled to leave after an hour, lingered. He stayed through the remainder of the draw, chatting with Carney and Sheinbaum. Then he stayed longer still.

Dancing and deal-making

The Village People took the stage for a performance of “Y.M.C.A.,” a song Trump often embraced at his 2024 campaign rallies. When the music started, Trump stood and launched into his familiar dance routine. Carney and Sheinbaum remained seated.

Behind the scenes, the three leaders later met for private talks aimed at lowering tensions that have defined North American relations during Trump’s presidency.

Trump ended the evening with a tour of the Kennedy Center, where he installed himself earlier this year as chairman in what he declared a fight against “woke” culture. On Thursday, he referred to the venue as the “Trump-Kennedy Center” before correcting himself with a laugh.

The night’s display captured Trump’s political style: part showmanship, part defiance, part spectacle — and all unmistakably centered on him.