Global sporting icons for World Cup draw

FIFA Legend Rio Ferdinand says stepping onto the global stage to conduct the historic Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ is “an unbelievable honour.” The former England captain, who spent his playing career thriving under the pressure of football’s biggest moments, now takes on a new role as he prepares to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that will define the tournament’s opening phase. “As a player, I lived for these global stages,” he said. “Now I’m humbled to play a different, special role together with an incredible line-up to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that the whole world is waiting for.”

Joining Ferdinand and award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson on stage will be a remarkable ensemble of superstars from across the North American sports landscape. Seven-time NFL Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky, MLB powerhouse Aaron Judge and NBA giant Shaquille O’Neal will serve as draw assistants, an extraordinary crossover of athletic excellence rarely seen on a single stage. Together, they will help guide fans through one of the most anticipated moments in global sport.

For Brady, the event represents a career highlight of a different kind. “Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honour, it’s the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of,” he said. Gretzky echoed the excitement. “Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world… I’m thrilled to be part of the draw that will decide the fate of the participating teams.”

Judge, who could see the tournament’s final played in his home market of New York New Jersey, called the experience “incredibly special,” while O’Neal reflected on the pride that comes with representing one’s country. “The World Cup is one of the biggest stages in sports… this is such a special moment.”

Adding to the spectacle, two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Eli Manning will host the red carpet, bringing his familiar charm to an already star-studded event.

Broadcast live on FIFA.com and via FIFA’s global media partners from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, the Final Draw marks the official countdown to the largest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup ever staged. With sporting legends from multiple disciplines sharing one global platform, the draw promises to deliver a moment worthy of football’s new era.