The 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup bracket has generated immense excitement in the soccer community, showcasing talented players across various sports. A star-studded crowd gathered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., ahead of the official draw for the tournament.
Notable attendees included:
- Seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady of FOX Sports
- NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky
- NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal
- MLB superstar Aaron Judge from the New York Yankees
- Premier League champion Rio Ferdinand
- Soccer icon Ronaldo
- Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning
- USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino
- Actor Kevin Hart
- Actress Heidi Klum
- Artist Nicole Scherzinger
- DF Samantha Johnson
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino
- New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft
World Cup Roster: A look at predicted US players for the World Cup squad.
The Patriots, under Robert Kraft’s leadership, are currently 11-2 for the season. Nicole Scherzinger also performed during the official draw. Co-conductor Samantha Johnson delivered remarks at the event, which took place on December 5, 2025. Wayne Gretzky, as a Canadian lottery assistant, spoke on stage during the draw.
Fan Take: The 2026 World Cup is a pivotal moment for soccer in the U.S., combining global attention with local pride. This event not only elevates the sport’s profile but also inspires a new generation of players and fans across the country.
