World Cup 2026 draw: USA to face Australia and Paraguay in group stage

Activists in Los Angeles have sparked controversy by protesting outside a synagogue, openly expressing their disdain for the LAPD and ICE with slogans like 'F- ICE, F- LAPD!' This group has a history of disruptive protests, targeting city officials and law enforcement in their demonstrations against immigration enforcement and police practices.

The United States has been drawn into a manageable group for the 2026 World Cup, facing Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of a European playoff among Turkey, Romania, Kosovo, and Slovakia. This draw took place during the event held in Washington, D.C., which is significant as the U.S. co-hosts the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

Governor Gavin Newsom visited Washington, D.C., seeking federal assistance for recovery efforts following the recent wildfires in Los Angeles but was denied a meeting with key officials from the Trump administration. This low-profile visit included discussions with a limited number of lawmakers on Capitol Hill as he advocated for billions in federal aid for rebuilding efforts.

The draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., where England was drawn against Croatia, Brazil will face Scotland, and the USA will meet Australia. The event featured performances from notable artists including the Village People and Robbie Williams, alongside a unique appearance by Donald Trump, who received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the ceremony.

Frank Gehry, the acclaimed architect known for his imaginative designs, has passed away at the age of 96. His notable works include the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, and the DZ Bank Building in Berlin.

England has been drawn into Group L for the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Croatia, Panama, and Ghana, marking a rematch against Croatia from the 2018 semi-finals. The matches will take place across various cities in the US and Toronto, with specific venues and kick-off times to be announced soon.

The FIFA World Cup draw held in Washington, D.C. has placed Team USA in a group with Australia, Paraguay, and one of Turkey, Romania, Slovakia, or Kosovo for the 2026 tournament. This event marks a significant step as teams prepare for the competition, with Australia currently ranked No. 26 and Team USA ranked No. 14 by FIFA.

Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural FIFA peace prize during the draw for the 2026 World Cup in Washington, D.C., where FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised his efforts to promote peace and unity globally. Trump claimed that his leadership has made the world a safer place, despite criticism of his peace claims.