Legendary multi-sport icons to assist Rio Ferdinand at 2026 Fifa World Cup draw

Friday’s Final Draw for the Fifa World Cup 2026, a landmark event in world football, will mark an unprecedented fusion of global sporting excellence at the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington, DC.

This draw signifies the commencement of a historic chapter in the sport, heralding the first-ever 48-team Fifa World Cup.

Leading this landmark ceremony will be Fifa legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand, who has established himself as one of the sport’s greatest defenders. Ferdinand expressed his excitement, stating: “To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour. As a player, I lived for these global stages – now I’m humbled to play a different, special role together with an incredible line-up to reveal the 12 groups of four teams that the whole world is waiting for.”

His words resound with the same passion that fuelled his illustrious career, promising a draw steeped in anticipation and spectacle.

Assisting Ferdinand in this remarkable showcase will be award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson, whose seasoned expertise will guide audiences through the intricate workings of this monumental event. Together, they will narrate an evening that will weave sports legends and fan fervour into a tapestry of excitement as the world awaits the final group arrangements.

In an extraordinary twist, the draw will also feature an impressive line-up of sports icons from different disciplines, including Tom Brady (American football), Shaquille O’Neal (basketball), Wayne Gretzky (ice hockey) and Aaron Judge (baseball).

Each of these exceptional athletes brings unique legacies, captivating fan bases and a wealth of experience from their respective sports, creating a dialogue that transcends boundaries between American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey.

This gathering of such diverse sporting talent further underscores the event’s significance, appealing to a broad range of sports enthusiasts and encapsulating the spirit of global camaraderie.

With figures like Brady, O’Neal, Gretzky and Judge on stage, the draw promises to underscore the majesty of football while celebrating the shared passion for sport that unites fans across continents.

The anticipation surrounding this Final Draw symbolises a pivotal moment as teams prepare to battle for glory on the world stage.

With 48 teams competing in the Fifa World Cup for the first time, fans are eagerly marking their calendars for what promises to be a tournament like no other.

As the countdown to the 2026 Fifa World Cup begins, the world awaits the historic draw featuring an unforgettable collaboration of sporting legends that will set the stage for one of the most exciting tournaments in football history.

Aaron “Mbazo” Mokoena is one of three people who will represent South Africa at the draw. Mokoena, who famously captained Bafana Bafana at the 2010 Fifa World Cup, the first in Africa, was invited by Fifa.

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, who played for Belgium at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, will also be in attendance. It marks his inaugural visit to a World Cup draw event. He will engage with coaches from the 47 other nations that have secured places in the tournament, scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July 2026 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Additionally, South African Football Association (Safa) President Danny Jordaan will be present at the event.