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What We Know with Max Foster
FIFA World Cup Draw: Hosts Drawn In Favorable Groups For Next Year's Spectacle; Donald Trump Awarded Inaugural FIFA Peace Prize; Netflix To Buy Warner Bros. & HBO For $72 Billion; Trump Looks To Downplay U.S. Affordability Concerns; CDC Advisers Vote To Abandon Hepatitis B Vaccines For Newborns. Aired 3-4p ET
Aired December 05, 2025 - 15:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[15:00:26]
CHRISTINA MACFARLANE, CNN HOST: The World Cup draw is done.
This is WHAT WE KNOW.
The stage is set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. A short time ago, the draw for next year's tournament wrapped
up in Washington, D.C. The hours long spectacle featured multiple musical performances and hype inducing videos. The leaders of the three host
nations also took center stage. Then finally, the groups were drawn. The three hosts were all given pretty favorable draws.
The United States has a great chance of progressing to the knockouts drawn against Australia, Paraguay and a playoff winner. Mexico will play the
opening match of the World Cup against South Africa in a group featuring Korea and a European playoff winner. While Canada will face Qatar,
Switzerland and a European playoff winner.
Well, Don Riddell has been covering all of this for hours now and joins me live from Washington.
Don, good to see you.
Look, I know you have covered many a World Cup draw in your time, but perhaps none quite like what we saw tonight. Before we get to the groups,
can you just give me your perspective on the spectacle? The length of this? And, you know, for the first time ever, that Peace Prize we saw awarded.
DON RIDDELL, CNN WORLD SPORT: Hey. Yeah, I mean, this was different in pretty much every single way. Yes, it was bigger than before. It wasn't
necessarily better. It did go on a little bit. And this really was a draw where sport and football and politics all collided.
Clearly, the biggest non-football headline today was Infantino and FIFA's awarding of their inaugural Peace Prize, which they only dreamed up just a
few weeks ago, to the U.S. President Donald Trump. He was absolutely celebrated for what they described as his efforts to make peace around the
world. And Donald Trump clearly felt very, very comfortable and very loved and appreciated in that environment.
So that, of course, was noteworthy and will make headlines around the world. And there'll be a lot of analysis and a lot of discussion about
that. But we did eventually get to the main event.
And, it was an interesting draw. And of course, one of the things that's interesting about it is because we do have now 48 teams as opposed to 32,
so it is much bigger. A lot of minnows in this competition, the likes of Curacao and Cape Verde Island nations with barely 100,000 people also
living in Curacao. So there'll be no shortage of romance in this tournament.
And it's also going to be a longer tournament. So, there is definitely a better chance for more teams to make it out of the group stage, because
most of the third place teams will also go through. But I think people would see that round of 32 as kind of a must win if you get out of the
group and then go out in that round, then kind of so what?
So, an interesting road ahead. But we can certainly talk about some of the interesting groups and draws. What caught your eye, Christina?
MACFARLANE: Well, I was actually just going to say, Don, I mean, am I right in saying that we seem to have avoided a sort of group of death, I guess,
as everyone's been looking out for here, purely because the format of this tournament has changed, as you were saying, expanded now to so many more
countries taking part.
RIDDELL: Yeah. So, I mean, a group of death historically has meant for really, really tough teams. And only two get out. Now, even if you have a
group of death, there's a good chance that three of the four are going through.
I mean, if we look at it, I mean, you could argue that group L is something of a group of death. England, one of the favorites for the competition up
against Croatia, which is a repeat of the 2018 semifinal, which Croatia won. Croatia were definitely one of the teams to avoid from part two. And
also Ghana, a really, really tough opponent from Africa, in part four. So I think that is a tough group.
Much has been made of some of the host nation groups and arguably all three of the host nations have got somewhat favorable draws. Group A with Mexico,
group B with Canada, group D with the USA.
Just a short time ago, actually, I was speaking with the former U.S. international Taylor Twellman. He's pumped. He said definitively, he thinks
this is the easiest -- maybe not the easiest -- the best draw the American team has ever had. And so much expectation with the American team playing
on home soil, the game has exploded here over the last, particularly over the last 10 years.
A lot of expectation with Mauricio Pochettino managing the team, but they're going to be playing Australia. That was, I think, probably the
easiest team they could have got from part two and Paraguay, and there will be another team to come from the European playoff zone in March.
But, yeah, he was saying the American team really should be looking at the quarterfinals, at least with a start like that in the group and something
that just I've noted, as a fan as well as a sports correspondent, just how just how nostalgic these draws can be, because inevitably teams run into
the same opponent World Cup after World Cup.
You may know I'm rather partial to Scotland. I was born there. I have an extremely soft spot for them. First time in the World Cup in 28 years.
Honestly, I wondered if they'd ever be back in the World Cup. They have been drawn against Brazil again. It will be the fifth time they've played
Brazil in the World Cup.
Scotland have never beaten them, but some of my fondest memories as a kid were watching Scotland play Brazil with my family, with my dad. I'll never
forget 1982, when the Scots took the lead against Brazil, an incredible goal from David Narey. And then they got thrashed four one.
But you know, when those names came together, I thought of that moment. I thought of my dad and just how incredible it's going to be that Scotland
back in the World Cup after all this time and once again running in to the Brazilians.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, that is a lovely personal reflection, Don. And I echo it, being half Scottish myself, although I did rather have my head in my hands.
Seeing that draw and seeing Brazil being pulled out of a hat. So, yes, but look, a great platform for Scotland nonetheless. And lots of other smaller
nations taking part.
Don, keep warm. Thank you so much.
And we're going to take a closer look now at some of the group stages that don was mentioning there. There's no clear group of death, as I was saying,
but there are a couple of groups to keep our eye on. Don was saying that a group L, but we've also been looking at group I, two of the world's best
strikers, France Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland, drawn together along with Senegal and a playoff winner.
And the defending champions Argentina, meanwhile, will face Austria, Algeria and Jordan in what is likely to be Leo Messi's final World Cup.
So, joining me now to discuss this more, delve a bit deeper is journalist, sports journalist Ena Bilobrk who is, I should state from the very top,
Croatian, something we will get into in a few minutes time.
But look, lets just reflect there on what we were talking about with the, you know, not necessarily group of death, but some of the more spicy group
fixtures that have come out and talk about group I, France, Senegal, Norway and a qualifier. Erling Haaland, playing in his first ever World Cup,
possibly the most electric striker going into this World Cup against Kylian Mbappe.
ENA BILOBRK, SPORTS JOURNALIST: I know, I mean that will be such a that will be a matchup you would normally want to see in a Champions League
Final.
MACFARLANE: Yes.
BILOBRK: You know, Kylian Mbappe versus Erling Haaland. I know they've played several times against each other with their respective clubs, Erling
Haaland scoring four times in three games against Kylian Mbappe's clubs. Now it being on international stage playing with their international teams.
Obviously, it will be slightly different, but I'm very much looking forward to that.
And I also wanted to mention one of the reasons why we don't have a group of death as well is that the top four teams, this time in the world ranking
are on separate ends of the draw, which means if they qualify first in their groups, they won't meet each other until the final.
MACFARLANE: Yeah.
BILOBRK: So, we are avoiding these big matchups, which, you know, people hope to see in later stages.
MACFARLANE: But that was the intention, really, wasn't it, to kind of create that drama, let it build later in the tournament. Let's just talk a
little bit briefly. We mentioned Argentina, defending champions playing there, possible last outing for Lionel Messi. We don't quite know yet
though do we, whether he's going to be playing this World Cup.
BILOBRK: No. I've seen I think a few days ago he gave an interview where he said he would love to play the World Cup, but he might also have to endure
from the stands. You know, he might -- he might come as a fan.
MACFARLANE: He's just teasing us.
BILOBRK: I know.
MACFARLANE: Wait to see what he thinks of this.
BILOBRK: It's -- he won't be the only one with a possible last dance. We'll have Ronaldo. We'll have Luka Modric. And it'll be -- it'll be such a
shame, especially for, I guess, people, my generation who have grown up with all these amazing players to see them go and it'll be -- it'll be
strange not seeing them play on the biggest stage anymore.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. But at the same time, we're going to be seeing a lot of new nations. Of course, taking part for the first time. It's lovely to see
the minnows, Curacao smallest ever country, book their spot playing in the same groups as the mighty Germany.
BILOBRK: I know.
MACFARLANE: And obviously, Cape Verde as well against Spain. I mean this is what the broadened tournament is all about, isn't it? About giving these
small countries a platform, and they must be wildly excited about what lies ahead for them.
BILOBRK: You just said it. This is what the World Cup is about. You want to see nations that you normally don't see as a European. Let's say you watch
European football mainly. You don't know many players that play elsewhere. I mean, I know Curacao, they have a big diaspora.
[15:10:01]
A lot of their players play in Europe, like Turkey, Cyprus, Portugal as well. So, we'll be familiar with possibly some of the names but not really
familiar with the national team. And I love the pictures when they qualified, I mean, Cape Verde as well. I mean, these are island nations.
These are tiny.
I remember Iceland --
MACFARLANE: Yes.
BILOBRK: -- they used to be the smallest thunderclap. Thunderclap. Exactly. And they came really far as well. So, you never know. It might be some sort
of Cinderella story that we'll be seeing at this World Cup.
MACFARLANE: Now, I can't let you go without pointing out that England's first game on June 17th, I think it is, is going to be against Croatia. As
I mentioned earlier, full disclosure, Ena is Croatia, not the start I had in mind. And these two countries have obviously got some history.
BILOBRK: Big history, great history, depending on where you're from. From a Croatian perspective, I've been actually working a little bit with the
Croatian national team over the last few months, and that game, 2018, the semifinal against England, always comes up and Croatians love England have
to mention qualifications 2007 for the Euros 2008 when Croatia beat England at Wembley and England didn't qualify for the Euros.
So they'll be -- I think it'll be quite heated and I'm expecting quite a heated game. Great fans as well. And --
MACFARLANE: I did notice a little scarf down there.
BILOBRK: Yeah.
MACFARLANE: Already in the World Cup spirit.
BILOBRK: Last time I was here I brought a prop and now I thought, I'm going to bring another prop and --
MACFARLANE: Where's my England flag?
(LAUGHTER)
MACFARLANE: Well, look, I mean, we have a storied history. Actually, that group is going to be a really interesting one to watch, isn't it?
BILOBRK: Absolutely.
MACFARLANE: So, you know, we will wait to see. The starting gun has been fired. And thank you so much for talking me through it.
BILOBRK: I can't wait.
MACFARLANE: Okay, so through the World Cup is -- though the World Cup is a truly global event, it may have seemed like Donald Trump stole the show. It
featured several of his favorite performers and celebrities, and just before the draw began, FIFA president Gianni Infantino lavished praise on
the U.S. president, presenting him with the first ever FIFA Peace Prize.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It is truly one of the great honors of my life. And beyond awards, Gianni and I were discussing this. We
saved millions and millions of lives. The Congo is an example. Over 10 million people killed and it was heading for another 10 million very
quickly. And it just, you know, the fact that we could do that India, Pakistan, so many different wars that we're able to end, in some cases, a
little bit before they started, just right before they started, it was going to be late, but we got them done.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MACFARLANE: Well, the U.S. president also joined the leaders of Canada and Mexico in picking the names of their three countries out of the pot. They
are co-hosting the tournament.
So, let's go to the White House and CNN's Kristen Holmes.
And, Kristen, as expected, Donald Trump was all over this spectacle tonight. And, of course, the awarding of this peace prize. And, you know,
as someone who obviously missed out so publicly on the actual peace prize, one wonders what this would have meant to him tonight.
KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, of course it would be a big deal. I mean, any kind of prize like this for President
Trump is a big deal. And we have seen nothing but really trying to curry favor with the president when it comes to the head of FIFA. So if you were
looking for another way to ingratiate yourself with President Trump, this would be a perfect way to give him a newly minted peace prize, as he
himself has continued to lobby of getting not just this peace prize, but the Nobel Peace Prize, something that he has clearly wanted for a very long
time and was disappointed that he didn't get this time around.
So, this itself, the event itself, I mean, it really goes to show you how invested the White House and President Trump is in having the World Cup
here. It's not just the World Cup, but one of the things he talks about all the time, in addition to the World Cup, is this America 250 and the
Olympics. He sees these all as monumental events that are going to be cornerstones of his administration. He was having fun up there.
Now, of course, we do know that he also met with Sheinbaum and Carney, not just on the stage, but privately. And they've had somewhat of a tense
relationship and back and forth. We believe trade was going to be on the agenda, and we, of course, are waiting to hear readout of that call.
They did look pretty friendly when they were up in the box watching or waiting for the drawing, and at one point dancing to YMCA. President Trump
was dancing. The others were not. But again, a lot of questions as to what exactly they would have discussed during that meeting.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, a lot of questions. Now, look, I want to shift to something else pretty seismic that actually happened in the past hour.
While all this spectacle was going on. And that is that the Supreme Court has agreed to decide the legality of Donald Trump's directive to restrict
birthright citizenship.
Just walk us through this. And I mean, this could essentially be one of the biggest legal decisions of Trump's presidency, right?
HOLMES: Yeah. It is interesting, though, because I feel like we say this all the time, that this is one of the most important legal decisions of
President Trump's tenure.
[15:15:03]
And that's because so many of his decisions have ended up in the courts, and specifically the Supreme Court. Now, of course, the big question here
is going to be whether or not they once again appeared to go along with some of these really boundary-pushing legal claims that the White House has
made. And so far, the White House believes that they will.
I mean, one of the things that when you talk to administration officials about all of these policies is that the hope is that they do land in the
Supreme Court because they do believe if these policies land in the Supreme Court, the Supreme Court will rule in their favor. One interesting thing
about the Supreme Court taking this up is that this was a controversial issue, that the Supreme Court really, in the last year, has shied away from
taking cases on. They have tried to stay out of anything surrounding this.
So, it was interesting that they're actually deciding to hear this case. And of course, again, this is all about that executive order ending
birthright citizenship.
MACFARLANE: All right. Good context. Appreciate you putting it in context for us. Kristen Holmes there from the White House. Thank you.
Now to a blockbuster deal that will shake up the media industry. Netflix says it has reached an agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery to buy its
studio and streaming assets, including HBO, for $72 billion. It's part of WBD's plan to split into two publicly traded halves in 2026.
The other half, Discovery Global, will house CNN, the Discovery Channel, TLC and other networks. The deal eclipses offers from Comcast and
Paramount, which for weeks was thought to be the front runner in the bidding war.
Well, our chief media analyst, Brian Stelter, has been across this all day.
And, Brian, I mean, this has been causing a lot of concern. And I would actually go as far as saying alarm in the media industry. Just walk us
through what this could look like and how it could reshape the entertainment industry.
BRIAN STELTER, CNN CHIEF MEDIA ANALYST: That's right. And let's start with the alarm first. The alarm bells are ringing most loudly in Hollywood
creative community circles. Filmmakers, directors, actors who are worried about seeing Netflix gobble up one of the biggest movie and TV studios in
the world.
Netflix has already been growing and growing and growing in recent years. In some cases, that's been to the benefit of the Hollywood community, as
its created a lot more virtual shelf space for shows and movies. But there's been a concern for years that Netflix does not prioritize movie
theaters. In fact, you know, it wants you to watch from home. The whole idea of Netflix is that you can watch wherever you are, whenever you want,
and it has punished or hurt the theatrical experience, the moviegoing experience.
So we've heard in the past few hours from movie theater owners and from directors who want their movies on big screens, that they are concerned
about this deal. Now, Netflix says it will continue to release Warner Bros. movies in theaters. It says it wants to change the windowing structure of
the movie industry so that it's more useful for consumers so that people don't have to wait so long to see a movie at home.
But the point is that Netflix, which has taken a very different approach to Hollywood, is taking over, is coming in in a very dramatic way. And that
does create some discontent in Hollywood. There's also concerns from some Democratic lawmakers, from some Republican lawmakers about this scale of
media consolidation. Netflix has all of its arguments ready to go. It says this is pro-consumer and pro-Hollywood. And now the fight really begins
because this regulatory review will take a very long time.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, it certainly could be hold-ups and yeah, held up for months if not years.
We'll wait to see, Brian. Appreciate it. Thank you.
And of course, just a reminder Warner Bros. Discovery is currently the parent company of CNN.
Okay. Coming up, the picking of the names, the biggest surprises and unluckiest teams as the World Cup draw is revealed.
(COMMERCIA BREAK)
MACFARLANE: Well, it took more than two hours to get it done, but FIFA has now sorted the teams for the 2026 World Cup into their groups. The field
has 48 teams in it, in next year, and hundreds of millions of fans watched on TV as they were divided into 12 groups of four. It's unclear at this
time which groups are the toughest. There are -- well, we'll debate about that. There are still six spots that remain with playoffs in early 2026 to
determine the final teams to make the finals.
So, what we don't know is, can next year's World Cup live up to the hype?
CNN's sports Amanda Davies is here.
And, Amanda, let's just tackle what we saw tonight and the football. First, I'd slightly take issue with the fact that there might not be strongest
teams because there are 1 or 2 that have come through quite.
AMANDA DAVIES, CNN WORLD SPORT: Yeah, I think there's a couple of groups in particular that from a neutral perspective, we've got to be really excited
about in terms of the matchups that could play out group C with Brazil, five time record champions, but looking to get their hands on the trophy
for the first time since 2002, in a group with Morocco, who of course, was such an incredible story in Qatar four years ago and really building
something strong.
Scotland, bring the party always. And this is a huge -- they've got such footballing pride back in the World Cup for the first time since 1998, and
then Haiti, a country who really have defied the odds and the political situation to book their place back since 1974.
The other one that a lot of people talking about, group I with the runners up in Qatar, France, pitting the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Didier
Deschamps for one last hurrah in charge of a national team hoping to lead them to success against -- up against the skill and the talent amongst the
Senegal team. The likes of Sadio Mane.
But the team that nobody wanted to draw because they were in pot three. But it's Norway and they've got Erling Haaland, France, Senegal, Norway and
then either Bolivia or Suriname as well. But --
MACFARLANE: That is enough there, isn't there, to, I think, bring the hype.
But look, if we take a step back from the tournament play itself and look at perhaps the diplomacy and everything else going on around this
tournament. I mean, there's been a lot of concern about how Donald Trump's -- President Donald Trump's policies, his decisions leading up to this
World Cup might impact the tournament itself.
And chief among them, of course, is the situation around immigration. And there are still questions around whether certain countries such as Iran,
such as Haiti, whether their traveling fans, their delegates are even going to be able to come to the World Cup. Is that still a question?
DAVIES: Yeah. I mean, we've been talking from the news agenda today about the fact that the number of countries on the travel ban might even be
extended. But as things stand with the countries on the list at present, we are talking about Haiti and Iran, and they -- there has been said already
by the U.S. government, there will be an exception that national team players, their immediate families and staff will be allowed to travel.
But supporters, as a rule of thumb, will not get their visas.
[15:25:01]
That's not to say fans are not allowed to apply for a visa, but then you have to buy a ticket, then apply for the visa. And we've been told by the
administration that exceptions to that rule will be very, very rare. That is the phrase that's being used. And the Iran delegation, we're talking
about boycotting today's draw because of that. But ultimately, the team coach and a very small delegation did go. They were present.
But I think that puts into context what we saw on stage, the awarding of the Peace Prize and the celebration of what Donald Trump is apparently
doing. When you had people in that room, I mean, not only from Haiti and Iran, but also you just have to talk about the co-hosts and the relations
that have changed.
MACFARLANE: The optics were really interesting tonight for so on, so many levels, weren't they?
But look, you mentioned ticketing and I just wanted to bring that out because we know that there is going to be the use of dynamic pricing for
average fans wanting to go to the World Cup next year. And I pulled out a couple of ticket costings that I saw earlier. So, the cheapest -- so the
general admission match for costing is somewhere between $560 and $2,200 and the cheapest ticket actually going for the final right now is $2,000,
expected to go up to $6,000.
I mean, there's a real concern, isn't there, for average fans just wanting to go to this World Cup, not being able to actually get in the door.
DAVIES: Yeah, and with the World Cup over such distances, it's not only the ticket prices, it's the travel costs as well. And yes, I think FIFA are
saying we've had better ticket sales than anybody expected. The number that was released last week was, 2 million tickets sold to people from across
212 countries and territories. And that was even before this draw was made.
But there is no doubt the word on the street is that people are very concerned about the ticket prices. Is, you know, is that to say that that
is going to stop people going in the hope of getting tickets and supporting their teams? There's not much evidence of that at the moment.
And without question, even just kind of the word on the street amongst our, our team based in Atlanta, sports tickets in the United States are
expensive. Full stop trying to go to the NBA at Madison Square Garden in New York. Actually, those prices that we're talking about are very much in
line with what we saw on opening night.
MACFARLANE: To the culture there.
DAVIES: To the -- to the NBA, it is a very expensive, I'm not -- I'm not excusing it by any means. And if you're trying to open up the world's
biggest sporting events to more countries and people around the world and trying to call it the most inclusive events in the world, those ticket
prices would suggest otherwise.
And on the one hand, you've got the expensive tickets and then you've got this weird kind of contrast between some of the empty stadiums that we saw
at the gold cup earlier this year with the U.S. match against Trinidad and Tobago with 10,000 fans in attendance, and at some of the club World Cup
games with pictures of very near empty stadiums in Atlanta, for example, which is one of the World Cup venues. But then on the flip side of that,
the security concerns that we saw around the COPA America when you had fans trying to climb into the air vents and fans from South and Central America
desperate to get in and see their teams in action.
So, at the moment, I think its difficult to know where the balls are going to fall. Once of a better phrase.
MACFARLANE: Yes, exactly. Well, we'll wait and see. But obviously, it's a pinch point and it's something that, they can't afford to sort of let run
and run. They'll have to maybe readdress it, maybe relook at that dynamic pricing.
Amanda, thank you so much. Okay. Still to come. It's been more than 30 years since the United States last hosted the World Cup. How will American
fans be responding this time around? We'll find out next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:32:25]
MACFARLANE: After an hours long spectacle in Washington, D.C., the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw has been completed. The three hosts were all given
favorable draws. Mexico will play the opening match of the World Cup against South Africa in a group featuring Korea and a playoff winner, while
Canada will face Qatar, Switzerland and a playoff winner. And the United States will fancy their chances against Australia, Paraguay and a playoff
winner.
So, let's go straight out to Andy Scholes, who's been in Atlanta in amidst it all.
And as you probably heard there, Andy, the general feel is that the host nation, USA, have been handed a pretty good deal here. I know you've been
in the pub most of the day with the fans. What do they think of it?
ANDY SCHOLES, CNN SPORTS CORRESPONDENT: Yeah, I've been around all day, Christina. I've been out here on the street for the watch party. A lot of
fans turned out it was a packed house here to watch the biggest draw ever in World Cup history.
You know, the city of Atlanta, it's hosting eight World Cup games, including a semifinal. And a lot of those USA fans are dreaming to make it
that far in the tournament. And I talked to a lot of them just to see how they were feeling after they learned the USA's group.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Love the U.S. group. I think it's going to take four points to come out of that group, so they got a really good chance, you
know, to finish in that top, top two spot.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's not the best. It's not the worst. We're going to have some good challenges. I think we're going to make it out. And I think
we're going to have a good path to get to the final.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm feeling really good about the group. It's a -- it's a different group for -- I mean, different teams play differently. And so,
it's going to be a good challenge.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Let's have a nice clean, tidy group play. Get at least the four points. Let's get in the knockout round. And once you get in there
anything can happen.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I believe semifinals right here in Atlanta.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: We're still going to the final, baby. We're going up there, at least quarters for sure. And we're going to surprise everybody.
Make it to the top. Yep.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCHOLES: Yeah. So, Christina you heard it there. At least the quarters. Now the best that USA has ever finished in a modern World Cup was the
quarterfinals back in 2002. But I can tell you what the optimism, the energy just off the charts for this coming World Cup in the summer of 2026.
These fans cannot wait for the USA to take the field June 12th against Paraguay in Los Angeles at SoFi Stadium.
And today was just a sense of what it's going to be like here during that World Cup. It's going to be pretty special.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, you've got to start optimistic, haven't you? And first time in 31 years back on American soil.
[15:35:02]
I mean, we'll give them that. Start optimistic. We'll see where we go from here.
Andy Scholes, appreciate it. Thank you
SCHOLES: All right.
MACFARLANE: It's the final moments of trade on Wall Street. And stocks are higher. The Dow has been up for the whole session. This is our business
breakout.
Marco Rubio has slammed the European Commission after it found X for breaching E.U. content rules. The commission fined Elon Musk's social media
company $140 million for violations, including a lack of transparency on ads and a failure to provide access to public data. The U.S. secretary of
state called it an attack on the American people.
Consumer spending in the United States stalled in September as inflation continued to tick higher. That's according to new data that was delayed by
the recent government shutdown. One analyst said the numbers show that lower income households are treading water.
Donald Trump's economic adviser says the government shutdown had a bigger negative impact than expected. Kevin Hassett, who is widely tipped to
replace Jerome Powell as Federal Reserve chair, says he expects the Fed to cut interest rates in response. He's also predicting an economic rebound at
the start of next year.
Donald Trump has tried to downplay recent fears over the health of the U.S. economy, calling concerns over affordability a scam.
Matt Egan has more on how its changing tack from Mr. Trump's rhetoric on the campaign trail.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MATT EGAN, CNN SENIOR REPORTER: First off, this is arguably the issue that helped propel President Trump back to the White House just a year ago. And
not only that, but candidate Trump, he used remarkably similar language to what now President Trump is calling a hoax. Take a listen to what candidate
Trump said on the campaign trail last year.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
TRUMP: Starting on day one, we will end inflation and make America affordable again to bring down the prices of all goods.
Starting the day I take the oath of office, I will rapidly drive prices down and we will make America affordable again. We're going to make it
affordable again.
We will end inflation and make America affordable again.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
EGAN: Make America affordable again. That was even in the 2024 Republican Party platform. And look, this message, it seemed to work. It really seemed
to resonate with voters.
When you look at the 2024 exit polls among voters who said that inflation caused their families severe hardship, Vice President Harris, former Vice
President Harris only won 23 percent of the voters, the vast majority went to Donald Trump.
And, look one of the problems here is, believe it or not, inflation is actually higher, as of September, the most recent month we have data for
than it was a year ago, which is the left side of the screen, when again, candidate Trump was promising to make America affordable again. It's not
the runaway inflation that some feared, but what's notable is that tariffs, the president's tariffs are part of the reason why we've seen this uptick
in inflation.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MACFARLANE: All right. Still to come, the biggest name at the World Cup draw isn't a football star. It was the 45th president of the United States.
And not everyone is happy about Donald Trump's World Cup takeover. We'll discuss, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:41:29]
MACFARLANE: Now, FIFA really seems to be going out of their way to make host Donald Trump feel welcome. The U.S. president was awarded the newly
created FIFA Peace Prize just before the World Cup draw. Mr. Trump then watched the draw wrap up, enjoying musical performances including the
village people with YMCA. Yep, there he is, which has been played at Mr. Trump's campaign rallies in the past.
Well, prior to this year, the FIFA Peace Prize did not exist. Criteria for the award is unknown and there has been some criticism over its lack of
transparency.
So, what we want to know is should politics and football be kept separate?
Well, joining me now is a former U.S. Olympian, Evan Whitfield. He's now the co-chair of the Human Rights Soccer Alliance.
Really great to see you. Thank you for joining us.
I think, Evan, it really -- it really was no surprise, was it, to see this award going to President Trump because Gianni Infantino has worked really
hard it seems to cultivate a close friendship with Donald Trump. So, for a governing body who are meant to be apolitical, what do you make of what we
saw tonight, and the relationship that these two leaders have acquired?
EVAN WHITFIELD, FORMER U.S. OLYMPIAN: Yeah, I think that you're correct. I mean, FIFA's own bylaws state that it's supposed to remain neutral on
matters of politics and religion and creating this peace prize certainly, I think, goes beyond that. And there's plenty of stories about some past
comments that Infantino has made.
As far as like keeping football apolitical, FIFA and the creation of this prize and who they've chosen to give it to, I think has opened the door to
making this a political act, which is why myself and groups like the Human Rights Soccer Alliance and others are so, certain to be contrary in public
and vocal about voicing our displeasure.
MACFARLANE: What do you say to those who would question, you know, what does it matter that Donald Trump is given a peace prize? I mean, the World
Cup is obviously coming back to American soil for the first time in over 30 years. He deserves some credit.
WHITFIELD: Yeah. I mean, I think that the best way to look at that is to, to use Infantino's own words, right? And like, why the person who was
awarded this prize in this case, Trump was given the prize, right? Someone, a leader that cares about the people who has created a safer world, a safe
environment we want to unite. These are Infantino's words earlier today.
And I ask you has Trump cared about the people, by unleashing immigration enforcement within the borders of the United States with National Guard?
Has he created a safer world by overseeing strikes in the Caribbean over the last few weeks? Has he created a safer environment by, not once, but
twice pulling out of the Paris climate agreement? Has he united people?
He's known as one of the most divisive presidents that we've had. And his approval rating, I think, per "The Economist" recently, is like 36, 38
percent. So, just using the own criteria that Infantino espouses, this is not a person who should have been awarded a peace prize, regardless of who
created it and why.
MACFARLANE: And certainly to your point, I think his policies and decisions that we've seen made in recent months and even just this week alone with
the crackdown further on immigration is really complicated things for the tournament, for this World Cup.
[15:45:00]
How concerned are you about what we might see at this World Cup with regard to safety, with regard to that immigration crackdown, with regard to the
presence of ICE, even at these events?
WHITFIELD: Yeah, I know it's a grave concern. And HRC had experience in this this last summer, right, with the FIFA Club World Cup. We do know that
ICE was deployed in security settings in and around venues.
And despite the, you know, off the record assurances that I think FIFA officials have received, regarding ICE not disrupting the tournament too
much. It is a grave concern that fans from all over the world could be placed in harm's way by coming to the United States, despite spending
thousands and thousands of dollars on dynamically priced tickets to come and cheer on their teams.
Also, the volunteers, right? We hear a lot about what makes the World Cup great. And one of those things is all the volunteers from all over the
country and the world that come and participate and help make this event what it is. Are they going to be put in danger by enhanced immigration
tactics by this administration? The answer is absolutely yes.
The other thing that HRC is very concerned about is discrimination. Discrimination, of course, in the way in which ICE and Homeland Security is
going about policing, immigration enforcement, we know that there's racial profiling, but also within the venues themselves. Theres' a number of, of
known discriminatory practices that occur in football.
And FIFA chose not to put out the anti-racism campaign that they spent millions of dollars creating during the FIFA Club World Cup, except for
maybe one or two moments and on the behest of activists demanding it, right? So, immigration discrimination.
And then also finally the legacy, what is going to be the legacy of this tournament? I think last time we were in the United States in 1994, one of
the legacy pieces was the creation of major league soccer, which I played in for six years. That was obviously very good. But what's the legacy going
to be of this tournament? How many children are going to be disenfranchised from playing sports because of enhanced immigration enforcement and the
failure to create safe spaces for those very people who are trying to inspire this tournament.
MACFARLANE: Yeah. And you make such a good point. And given you were playing during the last World Cup, is how this will all sit with the
football community, with the athletes themselves, in addition to those traveling fans and what could transpire.
Evan, we've run out of time, but we really appreciate your thoughts tonight. Thank you.
WHITFIELD: I appreciate it. Thank you very much.
MACFARLANE: Well, turning now to a critical vote on vaccinations in the U.S., members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization voted to abandon
the universal recommendation for hepatitis B vaccinations for newborns. That means mothers who test negative for the viruses are now recommended to
discuss with their healthcare provider when and if their children get the vaccine. The panel suggests if they don't receive a birth dose, babies
shouldn't receive the vaccine before they are two months old.
Well, keep in mind the advisory committee has hand was handpicked by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a long-time anti-vaccine activist. He
fired 17 members of the panel this summer, replacing them with his own picks.
Joining us live from the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, CNN's medical correspondent Meg Tirrell.
Meg, what has been the response to this?
MEG TIRRELL, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Okay. Concern -- major concern among outside public health experts and medical groups were even hearing
from state public health departments, which are emphasizing how important it is for babies to receive this dose before they leave the hospital, to
protect them against a virus that can cause liver damage, liver cancer, and be fatal.
And also, we heard consternation even from a couple members on the committee. This was a vote that was essentially eight to three. And there -
- among those three people who voted against this, one said that it was going to cause a lot of harm changing this language. And as you noted, for
women who test positive for the virus and for women whose hepatitis B virus status is unknown, the recommendation doesn't change. It remains for them
to get a dose or for their babies to get a dose of the hepatitis B vaccine right there in the hospital.
For women who test negative, now they are saying it's an individual based decision making process up to the parents and the doctors. But it's really
important to note that this was already an individual decision. This just was a recommendation that all babies should receive this for their
protection.
Senator Bill Cassidy, a Republican, the doctor who chairs the Senate Health Committee, posting on X on Friday, quote, "As a liver doctor who has
treated people with hepatitis B for decades, this change to the vaccine schedule is a mistake.
[15:50:04]
The hepatitis B vaccine is safe and effective. The birth dose is a recommendation, not a mandate."
And he warns this is going to lead to more babies unnecessarily getting infected with this virus.
MACFARLANE: Yeah, it is seriously concerning and something we will continue to follow closely.
Meg, we appreciate the update. Thank you.
Now the F1 season is winding down, but the excitement is not. After the break, well look at three drivers who are racing towards the top spot.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[15:53:14]
MACFARLANE: Well, it's not just the World Cup. People are getting excited about. The formula one season is reaching its finale this weekend in Abu
Dhabi, and its set to be quite the showdown with three drivers in contention for the driver's championship. Abu Dhabi is one of four Middle
East venues on the Grand Prix calendar, and now, there's a driver with Arab heritage for fans to cheer on.
Earlier this week, Isack Hadjar was promoted to the toughest job in Formula One. From next season, he'll be Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull and
he's been meeting with CNN's Bijan Hosseini
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
BIJAN HOSSEINI, CNN SENIOR PRODUCER: There are more than 800 million Formula 1 fans around the world. Nowhere is that more evident than here in
the Middle East, which is experiencing some of the fastest growth among fans.
(voice-over): No one represents that shift more than Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar.
ISACK HADJAR, RACING BULLS FORMULA 1 DRIVER: I see my trainer is here.
HOSSEINI (voice-over): The French-Algerian driver is the first Arab to podium in Formula 1.
HOSSEINI: Youve spoken in past interviews about your Algerian roots and growing up in France. What does that identity mean to you, racing in
Formula 1?
HADJAR: Means I represent a bit more than just one country. I represent Algeria as well. Every time I go to Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, its track I
love. I feel like it's more like home races to me.
HOSSEINI (voice-over): The shift is not only on the track. Investment from this region is now shaping the teams themselves. Bahrain's sovereign wealth
fund owns the majority of McLaren. Abu Dhabi CYVN Holdings has a minority stake. Qatar's sovereign wealth fund bought a significant minority position
in the future Audi team. And Saudi Aramco is the title partner for Aston Martin.
In other words, the Middle East is not just hosting races, it's buying into the cars and the brands that define Formula 1.
LIAM PARKER, CHIEF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, FORMULA 1: We're seeing huge growth across all those four different race markets, younger audiences.
[15:55:03]
So, I think it's around 40 percent of our audiences in this region in particular is now under 35.
HOSSEINI (voice-over): For Formula 1, the story here is no longer just about new circuits or big investments. It's about a region that has gone
from the outskirts of the sport to one of its most passionate, fastest growing communities.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MACFARLANE: Now, finally, tonight, we are remembering the life and work of architect Frank Gehry, who passed away earlier today. Born in Canada, his
family later immigrated to the U.S. Gehry was known for his daring and whimsical creations. He has been widely respected since the 1970s. Among
his ambitious projects, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain. He would later receive accolades for the shimmering Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los
Angeles, as well as the Pritzker Pavilion bandshell, a centerpiece of Chicago's Millennium Park. Frank Gehry was 96.
And that is it for me and the team here. I'm Christina Macfarlane. This is WHAT WE KNOW.
Stay with CNN. We'll have more news after the break.
END
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