A spectacular collision of sporting worlds is set for Washington DC this Friday, as a constellation of North America's biggest athletic stars assemble for the pivotal draw of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A Historic Gathering of Sporting Royalty
The ceremony at the Kennedy Center, scheduled for 12pm ET (5pm GMT) on Friday, will see legends from American football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer unite to determine the groups for the expanded 48-nation tournament. Headlining this unprecedented event is NFL icon Tom Brady, the seven-time Super Bowl champion, who will serve as a draw assistant.
'Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honor – it's the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of,' Brady stated. 'I'm excited to help set the path for a tournament that brings the world together like nothing else.'
The All-Star Supporting Cast
Brady will be joined by an elite group of draw assistants representing the pinnacle of North American sport. MLB superstar and New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge brings his star power, expressing particular excitement for the final being held in New York New Jersey. NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, a four-time champion and Olympic gold medallist, adds his formidable presence to the lineup.
Representing Canada, co-host of the 2026 tournament, is NHL great Wayne Gretzky, widely considered hockey's greatest ever player. Completing the quintet is former Manchester United and England defender Rio Ferdinand, who will lend his football expertise to the proceedings.
Adding further NFL flavour, Brady's former rival Eli Manning – who twice beat him in the Super Bowl – will host the event's red carpet. The draw itself will be conducted by Ferdinand alongside award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson.
Event Details and Broader Significance
The gala event, expected to last several hours, will also feature major entertainment acts. Performers include English singer Robbie Williams, Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, and former Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger. The iconic group Village People will conclude the show with their hit 'YMCA'.
Notably, the White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump will be in attendance. Gretzky, who has recently faced scrutiny in Canada for his links to Trump, chose to focus on the unifying power of football ahead of the draw. 'Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world,' Gretzky said. 'I cannot wait to see this happening in North America next year.'
Ferdinand echoed the sentiment of honour, calling the chance to conduct the draw 'unbelievable'. The event will also see FIFA present a new 'Peace Prize'. This grand spectacle in the American capital sets the stage for the largest FIFA World Cup in history, to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
