FIFA has revealed the lineup for the draw assistants for the upcoming 2026 World Cup draw, which is set for this Friday. The event will star notable North American sports figures, led by six-time Super Bowl champion and FOX Sports’ lead NFL analyst Tom Brady.
“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,” said Brady. (“Es un increíble honor ser parte del Sorteo Final de la Copa Mundial de la FIFA; es el tipo de escenario mundial que cada atleta sueña.”)
The Final Draw will be broadcast live by FOX from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, commencing at 11:30 a.m. ET. This draw will determine the group stage matchups for the 48 countries competing in the FIFA World Cup set to take place next summer across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
In addition to Brady, the event will also feature Wayne Gretzky, a four-time Stanley Cup winner, Aaron Judge, a seven-time MLB All-Star with the New York Yankees, and Shaquille O’Neal, who boasts four NBA championships.
“I follow soccer closely, so being part of the World Cup draw is incredibly special,” stated Judge. (“Sigo de cerca el fútbol, así que ser parte del sorteo de la Copa del Mundo es increíblemente especial.”)
FIFA also announced that former England captain Rio Ferdinand will be conducting the draw alongside award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning will serve as the red carpet host.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on Thursday, June 11.
