Rio Ferdinand, Tom Brady and Other Icons Set to Host the FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw

On Friday, 5 December 2025, Washington, DC will shine as the centre of global sport when the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ takes place at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event promises an exciting blend of sport, entertainment and spectacle, unveiling the eagerly awaited group-stage matchups for the first-ever 48-team FIFA World Cup™—a milestone moment ushering in a new chapter for the world’s game.

FIFA has revealed an exceptional lineup of sporting greats and world-class presenters who will guide fans through this landmark event. FIFA Legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand will lead the draw, supported by award-winning international broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Together, they will bring fans through every step of the official procedure as the 12 groups of four teams are unveiled.

“To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour,” Ferdinand shared. “As a player, I lived for these global stages—now I’m humbled to help reveal the groups the whole world is waiting to see.”

An extraordinary cast of cross-sport icons will join them on stage, making this one of the most star-studded draws in World Cup history. Seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, NHL Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup winner Wayne Gretzky, seven-time MLB All-Star Aaron Judge, and four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal will serve as draw assistants—bringing together global football and North America’s most iconic sports.

“Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honour,” Brady said. “This tournament brings the world together like nothing else.”

Gretzky added, “Football has a unique power to unite people, and I can’t wait to see that spirit shine across North America next year.”

Judge expressed his excitement for a World Cup final hosted “right in our own backyard,” while O’Neal highlighted the pride he feels in contributing to “one of the biggest moments in world sport.”

Adding even more star power, two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Eli Manning will host the event’s red carpet, bringing his trademark energy and charisma.

The Final Draw will be broadcast live on FIFA.com and across FIFA’s global media partners from 12:00 ET (18:00 CET). FIFA has also confirmed an impressive entertainment programme to accompany the draw.

Biographies

Tom Brady
A seven-time Super Bowl champion and one of the greatest athletes in history, Brady is known for his unmatched excellence and leadership. Beyond the field, he has built an influential career as an entrepreneur, broadcaster, author and philanthropist, and currently serves as FOX Sports’ lead NFL analyst.

Rio Ferdinand
One of football’s most celebrated defenders, Ferdinand earned 81 England caps and won nearly every major title with Manchester United. Inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2023, he is now a leading media figure and powerful advocate for social-impact initiatives.

Wayne Gretzky
Regarded by many as the greatest hockey player of all time, Gretzky’s NHL records and four Stanley Cup titles speak for themselves. His leadership has continued through coaching, broadcasting and global development roles.

Samantha Johnson
An award-winning British-Jamaican broadcaster with more than 20 years’ experience, Johnson has fronted major international sports events, moderated UN discussions and hosted acclaimed programmes for Al Jazeera English.

Aaron Judge
One of MLB’s most dynamic stars, Judge is a seven-time All-Star, three-time AL MVP and the holder of the AL single-season home-run record. He captains the New York Yankees and leads significant charitable efforts through his ALL RISE Foundation.

Eli Manning
A beloved NFL figure, Manning led the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories—earning MVP honours both times—and is celebrated for his leadership, resilience and dedication throughout his 16-year career.

Shaquille O’Neal
A global icon, O’Neal is a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer whose larger-than-life presence extends far beyond basketball. As an entrepreneur, media personality, DJ, and brand ambassador, he continues to inspire through his signature “Business of Fun” philosophy.