Star-Studded Lineup for 2026 World Cup Draw

This Friday, the highly anticipated drawing for the 2026 World Cup will feature a slew of sports icons, such as Yankees star Aaron Judge and former Giants quarterback Eli Manning.

FIFA has announced that Judge will assist with the draw, while Manning will take on the role of red carpet host for the occasion.

Notably, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Shaquille O’Neal will also lend a hand as lottery assistants, all from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. It’s primarily their job to select balls from the pots that will determine the tournament’s group stage.

Manning, aside from his hosting duties, is a minority owner of Gotham FC, the NWSL champions. He recently featured Gotham’s star forward Midge Purse on his “Manning Cast” during a Giants vs. Patriots game.

On the other hand, Judge, a known fan of Premier League soccer, had previously showcased his enthusiasm by kissing the Yankees logo after hitting a home run in 2022, a gesture inspired by the famous English league.

“I’ve been watching a lot of Premier League football, so I was watching them do it, so it was just that moment,” he explained at the time.

This draw is crucial, as it will group 48 teams into 12 groups of four. So far, 42 nations have qualified for the 2026 World Cup, with six more to be determined through playoffs.

FIFA is using the current men’s world rankings to organize the pots for the groups. This next tournament marks a historic shift, being the first with 48 competing teams.

The United States, Mexico, and Canada will host the event, culminating in the championship match at MetLife Stadium on July 19, 2026.

The excitement doesn’t stop there, as Friday’s draw will be further highlighted by celebrity hosts Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum, alongside Hollywood star Danny Ramirez. Performances by Andrea Bocelli, The Village People, Robbie Williams, and Nicole Scherzinger are also on the agenda.