The soccer community is gathering in Washington, D.C., for a key event leading up to next summer’s World Cup: the draw set to take place on Friday in the U.S. capital. With only six teams left to qualify, anticipation is building as fans eagerly await the reveal of each team’s journey to the tournament, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium on July 19. Here’s a breakdown of the draw pots:
- Pot 1: Canada, Mexico, United States, Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany
- Pot 2: Croatia, Morocco, Colombia, Uruguay, Switzerland, Japan, Senegal, Ylang-Ylang, South Korea, Ecuador, Austria, Australia
- Pot 3: Norway, Panama, Egypt, Algeria, Scotland, Paraguay, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Uzbekistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa
- Pot 4: Jordan, Cape Verde, Ghana, Curacao, Haiti, New Zealand, European Playoffs A, B, C, D, FIFA Playoff Tournaments 1 and 2
This event will showcase more than just the nations vying for glory; it will take place at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, hosted by comedian Kevin Hart, supermodel Heidi Klum, and actor Danny Ramirez, with the draw conducted by former England player Samantha Johnson. The event will also feature appearances from major North American sports figures, including NFL legends Tom Brady and Eli Manning, NHL icon Wayne Gretzky, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, and MLB’s Aaron Judge. Adding to the entertainment will be performances by renowned artists like Andrea Bocelli, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and the Village People.
This celebration of soccer recalls the 1994 World Cup draw in Las Vegas, a star-studded affair that was crucial for introducing soccer to an American audience. Alongside the glitz and glamour, it also featured its share of behind-the-scenes intrigue, drawing a mix of football legends, athletes, and celebrities to a city known for entertainment. CBS Sports has gathered stories from the 1994 draw that shed light on memorable feuds and unexpected moments, highlighting how past events shaped American soccer history.
Editorial Opinion: This draw is not just a formality; it’s a monumental occasion that shapes the narrative for the World Cup, igniting excitement and anticipation among soccer fans worldwide. For the U.S. and North America as co-hosts, it represents an opportunity to elevate the sport’s profile, potentially transforming the soccer landscape in the region for years to come.
