(foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Tom Brady headlines a star-studded cast — including Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Rio Ferdinand — at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, attended by Donald Trump.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington DC is shaping up to be one of the most glamorous sporting events of the year, featuring a glittering array of global icons from across sports and entertainment. Among them will be Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Rio Ferdinand, with Donald Trump confirmed to attend.
The event, held at the Kennedy Center on Friday at noon (ET), will determine the group stage for 48 nations competing in next year’s expanded World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The draw will also feature live performances and celebrity presenters, reflecting the entertainment-driven approach to North America’s first joint World Cup since 1994.
Leading the lineup is NFL legend Tom Brady, who said: “Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honor – it’s the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of.” The seven-time Super Bowl champion will take the stage as one of FIFA’s draw assistants, symbolizing a crossover between American football and global football.
He’ll be joined by New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, NBA great Shaquille O’Neal, NHL legend Wayne Gretzky, and former Manchester United and England captain Rio Ferdinand. The group represents North America’s “big four” sports alongside the global reach of football.
“Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world,” said Gretzky, who will represent co-host nation Canada. “I cannot wait to see this happening in North America next year and beyond.”
Shaquille O’Neal, who won Olympic gold in 1996, and Eli Manning — Brady’s former Super Bowl rival — will also appear, with Manning hosting the red-carpet segment. Ferdinand will conduct the actual draw alongside broadcaster Samantha Johnson, saying: “To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honor. As a player, I lived for these global stages – now I’m humbled to play a special role.”
The event will also feature an entertainment lineup including Robbie Williams, Andrea Bocelli, and Nicole Scherzinger, while the Village People will close the show with their hit “YMCA” — a song that has become a rally anthem for Trump’s supporters.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will attend, and FIFA will introduce a new honor, the “Peace Prize,” to celebrate sports diplomacy and unity. With athletes, musicians, and political figures sharing the stage, the event will mark a unique intersection of sport, culture, and global influence ahead of the biggest World Cup ever staged.