​​FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw Comes to DC: Your Guide to December 5 at the Kennedy Center

The world’s eyes will be on Washington, DC on Friday, December 5, 2025 when the FIFA World Cup 26™ Final Draw takes over the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts - and yes, it’s official. FIFA’s announcement confirms the date, the venue, and a 12:00 p.m. ET start time. It also teases a unique fan lottery that will give a limited number of supporters complimentary admission and a VIP experience; procedures will be published by FIFA “in due course.”

Below you’ll find everything guests ask us most: how to attend (or watch), the simplest way to get there, what to do around town, and four Sojourn homes that make getting to the Kennedy Center fast and easy.

Key details (at a glance)

1. When & where: Friday, Dec 5, 2025 – 12:00 p.m. ET, Kennedy Center, Washington, DC.
2. Tickets: FIFA will run a host‑city fan lottery for complimentary admissions and a VIP experience; details are forthcoming.
3. Broadcast: FIFA notes the draw “will be beamed” globally by media partners; TV/streaming specifics will be announced closer to the event on FIFA.com.

How to attend (and how to watch)

If you’re hoping to be in the room, keep an eye on FIFA’s Final Draw page and socials for the lottery window and instructions. That’s your official path to complimentary admission. If you’re planning a watch party instead, set your reminders for 12:00 p.m. ET and check back with FIFA for broadcast partners as they’re posted.

Getting there (the stress‑free way)

Metro + Free Shuttle is king. Take Metrorail to Foggy Bottom–GWU on the Blue, Orange, or Silver lines. From there you can walk (~10 minutes) or hop the free Kennedy Center Shuttle, which departs from the station curb about every 15 minutes and runs through late evening performances.

Pro tips:

1. Look for “Kennedy Center Shuttle” signage as you exit the Foggy Bottom escalators.
2. If you prefer to walk, follow New Hampshire Ave NW toward the river; it’s a straightforward 0.5–0.6 mile stroll.

Driving is possible, but it’s the least relaxing option during a global broadcast window; parking at the Center is limited and the shuttle removes the guesswork.

Make a weekend of it

December in DC is festive without the mid‑summer crowds. Destination DC’s seasonal guide highlights holiday lights, ice skating, and winter markets across the city. In late 2025, DowntownDC also brings back its holiday programming—including the Holiday Skate Spectacular, an indoor skating destination inside the Building Museum—adding another family‑friendly stop near the National Mall, as well as the fabulous downtown holiday market!

Want a few easy add ons around the draw?

1. The REACH at the Kennedy Center (for river views and casual dining).
2. National Mall museums (free) for a warm‑up before or after the ceremony.
3. Georgetown waterfront for dinner and lights, a short hop from the Center.
4. The Downtown Holiday Market.
5. National Broadway Tour of How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Where to stay (Sojourn picks near Metro to the Kennedy Center)

We’ve hand‑picked three Sojourn homes that put you within a quick Metro ride of Foggy Bottom; so you can focus on the draw, not the commute. All include fully equipped kitchens, premium linens, and 24/7 support.

1) For small groups who a rooftop: Capitol Hill Light, Airy with Rooftop Deck — 3BR/3.5BA

Coffee on the rooftop patio, then a short stroll to the Blue/Orange/Silver lines for an easy ride to Foggy Bottom. Great natural light, a queen + king + single layout, and a home base by Lincoln Park.

→ Book: Capitol Hill Light, Airy with Rooftop Deck

2) For executive teams & VIPs: Grand Capitol Hill Mansion — 4BR/5BA

An elegant residence steps from the U.S. Capitol with multiple gathering spaces, a chef’s kitchen that handles catering, and ultra‑fast Wi‑Fi. This is the polished choice for meetings or private receptions around the draw.

→ Book: Grand Capitol Hill Manse – Ideal for Events.

3) For couples: Capitol Hill Bliss with Sunroom & Front Patio — 1BR

A charming English‑basement with a leafy front patio and a cozy sunroom—perfect for winding down after the ceremony. Walk to restaurants; hop the Metro to Foggy Bottom for the draw.

→ Book: Sojourn Cap. Hill Bliss w/ Sunroom & Front Patio.

Sample itinerary (Fri‑Sun)

Friday (Draw Day)

1. Brunch near your Sojourn; Metro to Foggy Bottom by 11:00 a.m. to absorb the buzz and get settled. Free shuttle runs every 15 minutes from the station if you prefer to ride the last leg. Draw starts 12:00 p.m. ET.
2. Post‑draw, head to Georgetown or ride one stop to Smithsonian for museum time, then dinner at the Wharf or Union Market.

Saturday

1. Choose your holiday flavor: Destination DC’s December lineup (skating, markets, lights) or stroll the REACH and Potomac riverfront.

Sunday

1. Lazy breakfast, late checkout, and a final lap of the National Mall before heading home.

What’s new (and what’s still TBA)

The draw time, date and venue are fully confirmed by FIFA and the Kennedy Center. The fan lottery is real—and it’s new for this draw—but procedures (and broadcast partners) are still pending and will be posted by FIFA ahead of December 5. We’ll update this guide the moment those details drop.

Book smart

If you want the easiest draw‑day logistics, aim for Capitol Hill (direct Blue/Orange/Silver access) or Dupont Circle (quick Red→Blue/Orange/Silver transfer). Our team can help you match beds, desks, and pet needs to the right address. Start here: Start Your Sojourn.