The Village People will close out the World Cup draw Friday in Washington, FIFA said in a lineup announcement that confirms President Trump’s impact on the globe’s biggest sporting event.
The costumed band will perform “YMCA,” which is Mr. Trump’s signature song at the close of his rallies and other events.
Another Trump favorite, vocalist Andrea Bocelli, will perform at the draw inside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Their presence underscores Mr. Trump’s impact on the draw, which will determine the matchup schedule for the soccer tournament next summer.
The World Cup is held every four years and draws billions of global viewers.
The U.S., Canada and Mexico are jointly hosting the tournament in cities across North America, and Mr. Trump has solidified his role as host-in-chief.
He frequently welcomes FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House, and Mr. Trump attended the Club World Cup final last summer as a test run for the 2026 event, which pits national teams against each other.
The White House confirmed this week that Mr. Trump plans to attend the draw.
A FIFA press release on Wednesday did not mention Mr. Trump, though his impact on the event is unmistakable.
Even the site of the draw is notable. Mr. Trump effectively took over the Kennedy Center after his inauguration and named himself chairman.
FIFA said the event will be hosted by actor-comedian Kevin Hart and modeling icon Heidi Klum, who also participated in the draw for the 2006 World Cup in Germany.
“To be hosting the final draw again, after having been involved in this show 20 years ago in my home country, is truly extraordinary,” Ms. Klum said.
Actor Danny Ramirez will also take part, along with musical performances from Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.
