The 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C. on Friday, 5th December 2025, was a spectacle of football, politics, and unexpected awkwardness. While the focus was on determining the groups for the tournament, several off-pitch moments captured the attention of viewers and sparked conversation on social media.
The Cringe-Worthy Presidential Selfie
One of the most talked-about incidents involved FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the leaders of the three host nations. After leading chants for the USA, Mexico, and Canada inside the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, Infantino invited U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney onto the stage.
As they prepared to leave, Infantino appeared to stage a rehearsed moment, producing his phone and requesting a selfie with the trio. The act was met with scorn from BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce, who remarked live on air, "The man knows no shame." Pearce later added a sardonic note, hoping "the draw will be finished in time for the first match in June."
The awkwardness was compounded when President Trump, unlike his counterparts, bypassed Infantino's attempt at an introduction, walking directly to his spot on stage and leaving the FIFA president momentarily flustered.
Rio Ferdinand's Frosty Exchange with Yaya Touré
Banter between former players took an uncomfortable turn during an interview segment. Actor Danny Ramirez, speaking to ex-footballers in the crowd, pointedly asked former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré and ex-Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand about their relationship, noting their historic club rivalry.
While Touré responded with a casual "Yeah, yeah, yeah," Ferdinand seemed less amused. "What you trying to do here Danny? I know you're trying to get in the middle here," Ferdinand retorted. He then referenced the painful 2012 Premier League title race, saying, "I haven't really forgiven Yaya for that 2012 title race where they took it off us but it's fine... I'm over it man, come on, let me live man." The exchange highlighted the lasting tensions from one of English football's most dramatic seasons.
Dion Dublin's Unfortunate Harry Kane Gaffe
Former striker and BBC pundit Dion Dublin fell victim to a painfully timed blunder during the broadcast. Reflecting on England's 2022 World Cup exit in Qatar, Dublin praised captain Harry Kane, stating he "never lets us down" following a penalty equaliser.
Moments later, the broadcast cut to footage of Kane's crucial penalty miss in the quarter-final against France, which ultimately led to England's elimination. Social media users were quick to pounce on the error, with one noting the irony of Dublin's praise being immediately contradicted by the visuals.
Despite these off-beat moments, the draw itself proceeded smoothly. It delivered a favourable group for England, who will face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama as they aim to top the group and progress as one of the tournament favourites. The event, which also featured a performance by Andrea Bocelli, set the stage for the expanded 2026 tournament across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
