2026 World Cup Draw: “It’s a Wild Dream and a Moment of Pride” for Rio
FIFA Legend and former England captain, Rio Ferdinand says he is filled with pride and excitement ahead of conducting the historic draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, a tournament that will feature an unprecedented 48 teams for the first time in history.
Speaking in Washington, D.C., where the event will take place at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, 5 December 2025, Ferdinand reflected on the significance of the moment and how far the journey has brought him.
“It’s a wild dream,” he said in remarks captured in FIFA’s official video notes.
“I represented my country at the World Cup and never imagined being in the position I am today. To be one of the hosts of the World Cup draw is incredible—where I’m from, that’s a dream come true.”
Ferdinand will lead the ceremony alongside award-winning international broadcaster Samantha Johnson. The event will also feature an extraordinary lineup of global sporting icons assisting with the draw, including Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal, with special guest Eli Manning adding star power on the red carpet.
He added that beyond the spectacle, he is personally excited to discover where each nation’s journey will begin:
“As a fan, I sit there and watch these events because I want to see where my country is placed—who is their first game? All these things build up the excitement as we look at the route to the round of 16, the quarter-finals, the semis, and the final.”
The draw will set the tone for what promises to be the most expansive and globally diverse World Cup ever staged, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The world will be watching as the 47-year-old steps onto the stage to help shape the path to football’s biggest prize.