American football legend Tom Brady found himself at the centre of an ironic moment during Friday's 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, despite trading the gridiron for the global soccer stage. The seven-time Super Bowl champion was among a host of North American sports stars, including MLB's Aaron Judge, NBA icon Shaquille O'Neal, and NHL great Wayne Gretzky, who assisted with the prestigious ceremony in Washington D.C.
The Ironic First Draw
Tasked with selecting nations from Pot 1, which contained the top-seeded teams, Brady performed the very first draw of the event at the Kennedy Center. In front of an audience that included former President Donald Trump, he immediately pulled out five-time champions Brazil. The moment was loaded with personal significance for the 48-year-old, as his ex-wife, the supermodel Gisele Bundchen, hails from the South American nation.
Viewers watching the broadcast were quick to seize on the coincidence, flooding social media with reactions. 'Tom Brady the first country he draws is Brazil, with greetings to you-know-who,' one user posted. Another wrote, 'Tom Brady drawing Brazil first is deeply ironic,' while a third simply stated, 'Tom Brady drawing Brazil is comedy.' The consensus online was one of amusement at Brady's seemingly poetic misfortune.
Background of a High-Profile Split
Brady and Bundchen finalised their divorce in October 2022 after 13 years of marriage, sharing two children: Benjamin, 15, and Vivian, 13. The split followed shortly after Brady's decision to reverse his retirement from the NFL earlier that year, a move widely reported as a point of contention. In interviews, Bundchen had expressed concerns about the physical toll of American football and a desire for Brady to be more present for their family.
In a personal newsletter published in July, Brady defended his career dedication as a form of paternal example. 'I think part of being a great father is being a great example of doing what it takes to take care of your family,' he wrote. 'I chose to do it by playing football.' He elaborated that his commitment to his profession was intended to teach his children about perseverance and following through on commitments.
Conversely, Bundchen told Elle magazine in September 2022, 'I've done my part, which is be there for Tom... At this point in my life, I feel like I've done a good job on that.' She had previously emphasised her fears about the sport's violence and her wish for a more unified family life.
Ceremony Details and Aftermath
The draw ceremony officially set the stage for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Brady would go on to play one final NFL season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the divorce, retiring in 2023 following a playoff loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
While the event was meant to highlight the upcoming football tournament, the brief moment of irony involving one of America's most famous athletes inevitably stole a portion of the spotlight, proving that even legends can't avoid a twist of fate—or the swift commentary of the internet.
