2026 FIFA World Cup Draw: Star-Studded Lineup Revealed in Washington D.C.

The groups for the historic 48-team 2026 FIFA World Cup will be decided this Friday. The official draw ceremony takes place at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. This event will set the stage for next year’s tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The draw will place the 42 qualified nations into 12 groups of four teams. It also outlines the paths for the six final qualifiers from upcoming playoffs. According to FIFA, the draw aims to be a global spectacle.

Legends of Sport to Assist in Monumental Draw

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand will lead the proceedings as draw conductor. He will be assisted by co-host Samantha Johnson. The red carpet will be hosted by former NFL quarterback Eli Manning.

The actual task of pulling teams from pots falls to an elite group of sports icons. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady will assist. They are joined by baseball star Aaron Judge and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal.

This high-profile involvement highlights the tournament’s significance in North America. Their participation bridges major sports cultures ahead of the global event. According to Reuters, the draw is expected to draw significant political and celebrity attendance.

A Glitzy Ceremony With Global Appeal

The event itself promises significant entertainment value beyond the sporting logistics. Comedian Kevin Hart and model Heidi Klum are set to host the evening’s festivities. Performances will feature artists like Andrea Bocelli and Robbie Williams.

A performance of “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People is also scheduled. The song has become notable in recent U.S. political events. This blend of sport and showmanship aims to captivate a worldwide television audience.

The tournament schedule is now finalized following this draw. Matches begin in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. Canada and the United States will host their opening games in Toronto and Los Angeles the following day.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw finalizes the roadmap for the biggest football tournament ever staged. This star-powered ceremony in Washington marks the true beginning of the countdown. Fans worldwide can now start plotting the journey of their teams.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the format of the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time. They will be divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, plus eight best third-placed teams, advance to a 32-team knockout stage.

Which teams have already qualified?

As of now, 42 national teams have secured their spots. This includes hosts USA, Canada, and Mexico, plus major footballing nations from Europe, South America, Africa, and Asia. The final six spots will be decided in March 2025 playoffs.

Where will the final be played?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for July 19, 2026. The match will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This venue is home to the NFL’s New York Giants and Jets.

Why is the draw happening so early?

The draw is held over a year in advance to allow for extensive planning. Teams, fans, and organizers need time to arrange travel, logistics, and commercial operations for the massive, three-nation event.

How are the teams seeded for the draw?

Teams are placed into pots based on the FIFA World Rankings. The hosts are automatically placed in Pot 1. The draw aims to ensure a balanced geographic distribution across the groups.