FIFA has revealed the star-studded lineup for the 2026 World Cup draw scheduled for Friday at 12:00 PM ET, taking place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. The event will be co-hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart, and actor Danny Ramirez, featuring live performances from renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and the Village People.
Among the draw’s hosts will be Rio Ferdinand, a former member of England’s World Cup teams, alongside broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Ferdinand expressed his excitement, stating, “It’s a tremendous honor to be part of this historic draw. Having experienced the World Cup as a player, I am now privileged to fulfill a different role in unveiling the 12 groups of four teams that fans eagerly await.”
Ferdinand and Johnson will be joined by prominent figures including NFL legend Tom Brady, Hockey Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge to select the groups. Eli Manning, former quarterback for the New York Giants and 2026 Hall of Fame semifinalist, will conduct interviews from the red carpet.
Brady is actively involved in soccer as a minority owner, while Manning is also part of the ownership group for Birmingham FC after acquiring a stake in Gotham FC in 2022. O’Neal has shown his support for Northampton Town in England due to his business ties with the club’s chairman.
### Fan Take:
This news is significant for soccer enthusiasts as it not only showcases the growing crossover between sports but also highlights the increasing influence of celebrities in the soccer world. The draw sets the stage for the tournament, fueling excitement and anticipation among fans worldwide for what promises to be an unforgettable event.
