FIFA’s 2026 World Cup draw will take place on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, a glitzy invitation-only event hosted by Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart. The ceremony, expected to last nearly three hours, will feature speeches, video montages, musical performances, and celebrity appearances before the actual draw begins.
Among the celebrities assisting with the draw are Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Tom Brady, and Aaron Judge, with Rio Ferdinand overseeing the process. The event has drawn criticism for its excessive length and self-congratulatory tone, with some fans nostalgic for simpler draws using wooden balls and a velvet bag.
Rio Ferdinand defended FIFA’s ticket pricing in a BBC interview, saying the organisation is “conscious” of affordability. However, ticket prices for the tournament have reached up to $6,730, sparking concerns about accessibility for ordinary fans.
With 42 nations already qualified and six more to join, the draw will determine group stage matchups. FIFA will also award its inaugural peace prize to an individual who “helps unite people in peace,” though the recipient remains unannounced.
