The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., one of the nation’s most storied performing arts institutions, is bracing for an unprecedented transformation as FIFA, the powerful international soccer governing body, prepares to take over large swaths of the complex for nearly three weeks. The dramatic move, first reported by The Washington Post and The Independent, will see the Kennedy Center’s regular performers—including the renowned National Symphony Orchestra—displaced or forced to relocate, all to make way for the high-profile World Cup draw scheduled for December 5, 2025.
The arrangement, which comes at a particularly turbulent time for the Kennedy Center, has drawn scrutiny and surprise among arts patrons, sports fans, and political observers alike. According to documents obtained by The Washington Post, FIFA will not pay any rental fee for its use of the Kennedy Center’s facilities—a striking detail, given that such spaces typically rent for tens of thousands of dollars per day. Instead, FIFA will have free rein over multiple venues within the complex, disrupting a performance schedule already battered by a steep decline in ticket sales.
That slump in attendance is no mere blip. In the eight months since President Donald Trump took over as chair of the Kennedy Center’s board—a move that reverberated through the arts world—ticket sales at the institution have reportedly plummeted by nearly 50 percent. The timing couldn’t be worse. The Kennedy Center, long a symbol of American cultural prestige, now finds itself in the unusual position of prioritizing a global sporting event over its core mission of supporting the arts, all while struggling to fill seats and maintain its reputation.
“The center’s arrangement with soccer’s international governing body will disrupt its performance schedule, forcing the relocation or postponement of several concerts at an institution that has seen a sharp decline in ticket sales since it was taken over by President Donald Trump earlier this year,” The Washington Post reported, citing internal documents and venue use agreements.
For nearly three weeks leading up to the World Cup draw, FIFA will occupy much of the Kennedy Center, displacing previously scheduled performers. The National Symphony Orchestra, among others, has had to find alternate venues at short notice—a logistical headache and a blow to both musicians and their loyal audiences. The Kennedy Center’s leadership has not publicly commented on the specifics of the deal, but arts advocates worry about the long-term consequences of sidelining the institution’s primary purpose.
Why would the Kennedy Center make such a move, especially at a time when its own fortunes are waning? The answer, it seems, lies in the confluence of politics, sports diplomacy, and personal relationships at the highest levels. Since assuming the chairmanship of the Kennedy Center, President Trump has taken an active—and, some say, heavy-handed—role in shaping its direction. His relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been particularly close in recent months, culminating in several high-profile public appearances and gestures of mutual admiration.
Back in July, President Trump was on hand at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium to present the trophy to Chelsea, the winners of the FIFA Club World Cup. Just a month later, Infantino paid a visit to the White House, where Trump was photographed holding the coveted golden World Cup winner’s trophy. According to The Independent, Infantino remarked that such an honor was typically reserved for “the FIFA President, presidents of countries, and then those who win.” The symbolism was lost on no one: the worlds of politics and sport were colliding in spectacular fashion.
Infantino has not been shy about his admiration for Trump, even joining the chorus of dignitaries who have publicly supported the president’s long-running bid for a Nobel Peace Prize. In October, Infantino wrote that Trump “definitely deserves” the honor for his efforts toward a peace deal in Gaza. This political camaraderie seems to have paid dividends for FIFA, which has enjoyed unusual access and privileges in the United States under Trump’s watch.
The December 5 World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center is shaping up to be more than just a sporting event. On that same day, FIFA is set to unveil the winner of its newly created peace prize—a move that has fueled speculation about whether Trump himself might be the recipient. When asked directly if Trump would win the FIFA prize, Infantino was coy, telling reporters, “On the 5th of December, you will see.” The intrigue adds yet another layer to an already complex and politically charged occasion.
FIFA’s deepening ties to the Trump brand are also evident in its business operations. Earlier this year, the organization opened a new office in New York City’s Trump Tower, cementing its presence in the U.S. ahead of the 2026 men’s World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. For FIFA, the Kennedy Center event is both a logistical necessity and a symbolic gesture, underscoring its commitment to the American market and its willingness to partner with powerful political figures.
Not everyone is pleased with the arrangement. Critics argue that the Kennedy Center’s decision to grant FIFA free use of its facilities—especially at a time of financial hardship—sets a troubling precedent. “The venue use agreement obtained confirms FIFA will not pay a rental fee for this usage,” The Washington Post noted, highlighting the potential loss of much-needed revenue for the arts institution. With ticket sales down nearly 50 percent since Trump took over, every dollar counts, and some worry that the Kennedy Center is sacrificing its long-term stability for short-term political favor.
Others see the episode as emblematic of a broader trend: the blurring of lines between culture, commerce, and politics in the Trump era. The Kennedy Center, once fiercely independent and focused on its artistic mission, now finds itself at the intersection of global sports and presidential ambition. The upcoming World Cup draw may bring international attention and a flurry of activity to the iconic venue, but it also raises uncomfortable questions about priorities, influence, and the future of American cultural institutions.
As the December 5 event approaches, all eyes will be on the Kennedy Center—not just for the spectacle of the World Cup draw, but for what it reveals about the shifting landscape of power, prestige, and partnership in Washington. The decisions made here, in the heart of the nation’s capital, may echo far beyond the world of soccer and the arts, shaping the way public institutions navigate the competing demands of politics, profit, and public service in the years to come.
For now, the Kennedy Center’s grand halls are being readied not for the soaring notes of a symphony, but for the pageantry and drama of the world’s most popular sport. Whether this gamble will pay off—or deepen the institution’s woes—remains to be seen.