FIFA Unveils Star-Studded Lineup of Presenters for Epic 2026 World Cup Draw
Global sporting attention will focus on Washington, D.C.'s Kennedy Center this Friday as the inaugural 48-nation FIFA World Cup draw takes place.
This draw will establish the 12 four-team groups for the tournament and create pathways plus schedules for the 42 nations already qualified. The final six spots will be decided through UEFA and inter-confederation playoffs in March.
FIFA announced on Wednesday the presenters who will participate in the draw, along with those tasked with selecting balls from the various pots for teams and groups.
Who Are the 2026 World Cup Draw Presenters?
Manchester United icon and former England defender Rio Ferdinand will oversee the draw proceedings, with Samantha Johnson serving as co-presenter. Ex-NFL quarterback Eli Manning will manage red carpet duties before the ceremony, where President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are anticipated to attend.
While this trio leads the presentation, they'll be supported by draw assistants responsible for team selection from the pots.
These assistants include North American sports icons such as NHL all-time scoring champion Wayne Gretzky, seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, seven-time MLB All-Star Aaron Judge, and four-time NBA titlist Shaquille O'Neal.
"Leading this momentous draw represents an incredible privilege," Ferdinand stated. "During my playing days, I thrived on these worldwide platforms; now I'm honored to fulfill a different yet meaningful role alongside an amazing lineup to unveil the 12 four-team groups the entire globe awaits."
Gretzky, Brady, and O'Neal collectively hold 15 championship titles throughout their distinguished careers, while Judge continues pursuing his first World Series crown with the New York Yankees.
"Football possesses an extraordinary ability to bring together people worldwide and generate positive influence, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing this unfold in North America next year and beyond, as we welcome the largest FIFA World Cup ever," Gretzky commented.
"I'm excited to participate in the draw that will determine participating teams' destinies – and ignite emotions globally. This will mark an unforgettable personal milestone for me."
Who Are the Entertainers at the World Cup Draw?
Beyond the draw itself, Friday's ceremony will feature multiple hosts and performers, with Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and Danny Ramirez presenting the show.
Klum previously participated in the 2006 World Cup draw for Germany's tournament, where Italy claimed the championship. Additional entertainment includes opera performer Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and the Village People performing Y.M.C.A., a track now closely associated with President Trump.
The 2026 World Cup will commence in Mexico on June 11, while Canada and the United States will host their inaugural matches on June 12 in Toronto and Los Angeles respectively.