“With practice, we’re going to get it right” – Ferdinand Opens up on Enormous Preparations Ahead of World Cup Draw
As anticipation builds ahead of the historic FIFA World Cup 2026™ Draw, Rio Ferdinand says he is fully aware of the magnitude of the task before him—and is determined to deliver a show worthy of the global stage.
The 47-year-old former England captain, who will lead the draw ceremony in Washington, D.C., opened up about the scale of preparation happening behind the scenes and his commitment to getting every detail right.
Ferdinand described the meticulous planning, tight rehearsals, and technical precision required to stage one of world football’s most-watched events. For him, witnessing the machinery behind the spectacle has only increased his respect for the process and deepened his sense of responsibility.
You see the amount of work that goes into just this part—the elements of creating a FIFA World Cup show,” he said. “It fills me with pride. I want to do a good job and give this moment the respect it deserves.”
With the 2026 edition marking the first-ever 48-team World Cup, the draw carries even greater significance. It will determine the paths of nations across a historic tournament spanning the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Ferdinand revealed that the days leading up to the event have been packed with preparations, from learning the intricate draw protocols to mastering the flow of the ceremony. But despite the pressure, he expressed confidence in the team around him and in the rehearsals designed to ensure smooth execution.
“With the reps and the practice, we’re going to get it right,” he assured.