The prestigious ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw was steered by a familiar and respected voice in sports broadcasting. British-Jamaican presenter Samantha Johnson took centre stage as co-host alongside former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand.
A Trusted Hand at Major FIFA Events
This was not Johnson's first major role in a FIFA event. Her extensive experience with the governing body's draws made her a natural choice. She previously played pivotal roles in the draws for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Her assured presence alongside Ferdinand was instrumental in ensuring the complex procedure, which determines the groups for the expanded 48-team tournament, ran smoothly and professionally for a global audience.
An Award-Winning Broadcasting Career
Johnson's path to hosting one of world football's most-watched events is built on a robust and varied career in sports media. She is an award-winning international broadcaster with an impressive resume.
Her professional journey includes significant stints at major networks such as Eurosport, Sky Sports, and Al Jazeera. This breadth of experience across different media landscapes has honed her skills as a versatile and authoritative presenter.
Advocacy Beyond the Microphone
Beyond her professional achievements in front of the camera, Samantha Johnson is known for her passionate advocacy work. She consistently uses her platform to champion several crucial causes.
She is a vocal supporter of:
- Diversity and inclusion in sports and media.
- Female equality and empowerment.
- Open conversations around mental health.
This commitment adds a significant dimension to her public profile, marking her as a influential figure both within and beyond the world of sports broadcasting.
The draw, held on Friday 5 December 2025, successfully set the stage for the highly anticipated tournament, with Johnson's expert facilitation helping to navigate the pivotal moment in the World Cup's journey.
