Brady, Gretzky, O’Neal & Judge to Headline 2026 World Cup Draw in Washington D.C.
FIFA has announced that a quartet of North American sporting legends – Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal, and Aaron Judge – will serve as draw assistants for the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup draw, set to take place in Washington D.C. on Friday.
The involvement of these iconic athletes aims to broaden the appeal of the tournament, particularly within the host nations of Canada, Mexico, and the United States. For many fans across these countries, Brady, Gretzky, O’Neal, and Judge represent more familiar faces than traditional soccer stars.
A Star-Studded Ceremony
The draw, to be held at the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts, will see the four sporting icons each responsible for selecting teams from one of four seeded pots. According to FIFA, the athletes will pick orbs containing team names, with the organization then sorting the randomly selected teams into their respective groups based on a pre-established procedure.
Leading the proceedings will be former Manchester United and England player Rio Ferdinand, alongside host Samantha Johnson. Ferdinand brings a wealth of experience to the role, having secured six Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy with Manchester United, in addition to 81 international caps for England.
Beyond the Draw: Entertainment and Recognition
The event will extend beyond the draw itself, featuring a comprehensive show hosted by actor and comedian Kevin Hart, model and TV personality Heidi Klum, and actor Danny Ramirez. Live performances are scheduled from Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, British singer Robbie Williams alongside Nicole Scherzinger, and even the Village People, known for their hit “Y.M.C.A.” – a song notably adopted by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
FIFA will also leverage the occasion to present its inaugural ‘FIFA Peace Prize,’ with the governing body’s president Gianni Infantino hinting at potential nominees, stating, “You will see.”
Host Nation Responsibilities and Tournament Details
The 2026 World Cup, expanding to a 48-team format, will kick off on June 11, 2026, with Mexico hosting the opening match. The tournament will culminate with the final in New Jersey on July 19. The United States will host the majority of matches (78 total) across 11 cities and will be solely responsible for the quarter-finals, semi-finals, third-place play-off, and final. Both Canada and Mexico are slated to host 13 matches each, including three in the knockout stages.
Gretzky’s Involvement and Potential Controversy
NHL legend Wayne Gretzky recently addressed the Canadian national team squad as they prepared for a friendly against Venezuela, underscoring his continued connection to the sport in his home country. However, his relationship with former U.S. President Trump has drawn scrutiny in Canada, potentially adding a layer of complexity to his role in the draw. Trump has previously indicated his intention to be “involved” in the event.
Brady’s recent foray into soccer as a minority owner of English club Birmingham City further highlights the growing intersection between North American sports and the global game. Eli Manning, a longtime rival of Brady’s, will host the event’s red carpet.
The involvement of these high-profile figures underscores the significance of the 2026 World Cup as a landmark event for North American soccer and a celebration of athletic achievement.
