The stage is set in Washington DC for a star-studded ceremony to determine the groups for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event, taking place at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, will blend footballing destiny with a major entertainment spectacle, featuring a host of celebrity presenters and global music acts.
A-List Hosts and Personal Connections
Supermodel Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart, and actor Danny Ramirez will steer the proceedings for a global audience. Klum, who participated in the 2006 draw in Germany, expressed her honour at returning to the event. "To be hosting the final draw again, after having been involved in this show 20 years ago in my home country, is truly extraordinary," she said.
She added that the World Cup's unique power to unite the world made being part of the expanded, three-nation tournament an incredible privilege. Ramirez highlighted his personal ties to the host nations, noting his excitement as someone born in the United States with roots in Mexico. "Getting to co-host the draw and meet and speak with World Cup legends at such a high-profile event is a dream," he remarked.
Musical Extravaganza for a Global Audience
The ceremony's entertainment lineup promises to match the sporting occasion's grandeur. Performances are confirmed from Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, former Pussycat Dolls singer Nicole Scherzinger, and British pop icon Robbie Williams. Following the conclusion of the draw itself, the iconic disco group The Village People will take to the stage to perform their global anthem, 'YMCA'.
Footballing Fate Awaits 48 Nations
At the heart of the glitz, the sporting futures of 48 qualifying nations, including England and Scotland, will be decided. The draw will map out the group stage for the unprecedented tournament, which will be staged across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the summer of 2026.
Millions of viewers worldwide are expected to tune in for the live broadcast, which begins at 5pm on Friday. The event will be shown live on FIFA’s official website and on BBC One, offering fans their first concrete look at the structure of the biggest World Cup in history.
