McLaren is now part of KCI. Visit kci.com to explore our expanded service offerings.
Hosted at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw brought together team officials, fans, and media from around the world. The event marked the debut of the expanded forty-eight-team tournament and was livestreamed globally to an audience of more than 200 million viewers.
McLaren, a Division of KCI,
provided structural and entertainment engineering for the temporary stage installation that transformed the Kennedy Center’s concert hall into the centerpiece of world football. The scope included a custom arch structure spanning the stage—known as the Portal—featuring layered framing, integrated moving lights, and projection surfaces. Additional elements included multiple LED screens, two speaker towers, and reinforcement of the existing stage to support production loads.
Our engineers reviewed and refined multiple design iterations of the arch structure and LED wall throughout fabrication, advising on materials, framing, connections, and erection sequencing. The team ensured full compliance with the 2017 District of Columbia Building Code while maintaining the artistic integrity of the production design.
To ensure safety and performance, we conducted inspections to evaluate existing conditions and verify the final installation of all structural components. From concept review through installation, our structural and entertainment engineering teams helped deliver a safe, seamless setup—bringing the Final Draw to life for audiences worldwide.
We’re excited to share that McLaren Engineering Group is now part of KCI Technologies Inc., a 100% employee-owned firm offering engineering and consulting across all markets, and construction for communications and environmental projects.
Our commitment to excellence continues with the added strength of KCI’s full range of engineering and consulting services.
Visit KCI’s website to learn more.
