Sports icons from various disciplines, including Tom Brady from football, basketball’s Shaquille O’Neal, hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, and MLB All-Star Aaron Judge, will play pivotal roles in the upcoming World Cup draw scheduled for Friday at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. FIFA confirmed their participation, showcasing a fabulous mix of current and former sports stars and entertainers for this highly anticipated event.
The draw will outline the group-stage matchups for the inaugural 48-team World Cup, a significant expansion from the traditional 32 teams. This historic tournament is set to take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026, featuring matches in 16 different venues, including three in Mexico and two in Canada.
The format will see teams divided into 12 groups of four, with the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-place teams advancing to the knockout stages. Currently, 42 teams have already secured their spots in the tournament, while an additional 22 squads will compete in playoffs for the final six berths over the coming months.
Rio Ferdinand, a prominent member of the English Premier League Hall of Fame and former Manchester United captain, will lead the draw alongside broadcaster Samantha Johnson. The four sports legends will assist by selecting the teams assigned to each group, ranging from Group A to L.
Wayne Gretzky expressed his enthusiasm about the event, highlighting soccer’s unique ability to unite people globally and its positive impact. He emphasized his anticipation for the upcoming World Cup in North America, expecting it to be a transformative experience. Brady echoed this sentiment, expressing his honor at being part of such a monumental occasion, which he believes embodies a global connection through sports.
This exciting collaboration of sporting influencers at the World Cup draw not only amplifies the anticipation surrounding the tournament but also signifies the shared passion for soccer that transcends borders and unites fans worldwide in a celebration of athletic excellence.
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