FIFA World Cup 2026

The Kennedy Center disclosed a $7.4 million package tied to the FIFA World Cup draw — a $2.4 million donation plus about $5 million in sponsorship opportunities — and said an exclusive-use agreement gave FIFA access Nov. 24–Dec. 12 with no rental charge while FIFA covered event expenses. Senate Democrats, led by Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, have requested records on financial management, contractor selection, reimbursement policies and audit protocols as part of an ongoing probe, while Trump envoy Ric Grenell defended the center’s decisions, provided fundraising figures and contractor names, and called the inquiry “inaccurate gossip.”