FIFA’s decision to hold the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.’s Kennedy Center has become a flashpoint for controversy. Critics say the deal—granting the soccer body exclusive use of the venue’s concert hall and other spaces at zero rental cost—is evidence of cronyism and mismanagement.
Senate Scrutiny
On Nov. 25, 2025, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse sent a letter to Kennedy Center president Ric Grenell accusing the venue’s management of “looting” the institution for millions in lost revenue. The letter cited a copy of the contract that shows FIFA paying nothing for premium event spaces.
What This Means for Football
While the draw itself is a ceremonial event, its location has sparked debate over the ethical standards governing international sport. “The Center,” Whitehouse wrote, “is being looted to the tune of millions of dollars in foregone revenue.” FIFA has yet to respond publicly.