Attention will be cast on Washington DC, USA this Friday as the World eagerly awaits for the Draw of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts will be centre of attraction and attention where the group-stage matchups for the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup will be conducted.
FIFA has announced the exceptional assembly of sporting legends and world-class conductors who will lead fans through this exciting event.
FIFA Legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand, one of the most celebrated defenders of his generation, will conduct the draw, assisted by award-winning international broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Together, they will guide audiences through a truly unprecedented draw, as per the official procedures.
“To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour,” said Ferdinand. “As a player, I lived for these global stages – now I’m humbled to play a different, special role together with an incredible line-up to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that the whole world is waiting for.”
Joining them on stage will be an extraordinary cast of cross-sport icons from American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey, making this final draw – once again – unlike any before. Seven-time National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) championship winner and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, National Hockey League (NHL) Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion Wayne Gretzky, and seven-time Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees will serve as draw assistants – bridging the worlds of global football and North America’s most celebrated sports.
“Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honour – it’s the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of,“ said Brady. “I’m excited to help set the path for a tournament that brings the world together like nothing else.”
“When you’ve worn your country’s colours, you understand how much moments like this mean,” added O’Neal. “The World Cup is one of the biggest stages in sports, and being part of the final draw is something in which I take a lot of pride. It’s such a special moment for the players and for the fans around the world, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
“I follow soccer closely, so being part of the World Cup draw is incredibly special,” reflected Judge. “With the final set for New York New Jersey – right where I play – I can’t wait to see which teams will be battling for the title in our own backyard.”
“Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world and create a positive impact, and I cannot wait to see this happening in North America next year and beyond, when we host the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup,” said Gretzky. “I’m thrilled to be part of the draw that will decide the fate of the participating teams – and stir emotions across the world. This will be an unforgettable moment for me personally.”
To round off the star-studded line-up of sporting icons at the final draw, two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Eli Manning is set to bring his trademark charisma to the event as its red carpet host.
The final draw will be broadcast live on FIFA.com and by FIFA’s media partners around the world from 12:00 ET (18:00 CET). In addition to the draw conductors and assistants, a star-studded entertainment line-up was announced for the final draw show.
The audience will be treated to some remarkable live performances. Maestro Andrea Bocelli, one of the most acclaimed classical voices in history, will take the stage alongside global superstar Robbie Williams, who will perform with American singer and award-winning multi-hyphenate Nicole Scherzinger.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.