Brady, Shaq, and More to Headline World Cup Draw Event in Washington

Event to include performances by Andrea Bocelli, Nicole Scherzinger, and The Village People

Talk about a star-studded lineup! Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal are trading touchdowns and slam dunks for soccer balls as they step up to help assign nations to their groups at the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. And they’re not coming alone—sports royalty like Rio Ferdinand, Aaron Judge, and Wayne Gretzky will also be in the mix, making this event feel more like a Hall of Fame reunion than a simple draw.

Heidi Klum will be dazzling as co-host alongside the ever-energetic Kevin Hart and the charismatic Danny Ramirez. And if that’s not enough glitz, Nicole Scherzinger, Andrea Bocelli, and Robbie Williams are set to hit the stage. The Village People will have everyone doing the “Y.M.C.A.”—so get ready to spell it out with your arms, whether you’re in the crowd or on your couch. As if that weren’t enough, FIFA will roll out its inaugural Peace Prize during the festivities. And let’s not forget Eli Manning, who’ll be working the red carpet—hopefully with fewer interceptions than on the field.

This year’s draw isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s one for the history books. For the first time ever, a whopping 64 nations will take part. FIFA’s decision to expand the tournament from 32 to 48 teams for 2026 means more drama, more underdogs, and more nail-biting moments. The full World Cup 2026 schedule will feature a marathon 104 games, running from June 11 through July 19, and will be played at 16 venues across North America. Seventy-eight matches will light up 11 NFL stadiums, while Mexico and Canada will each host 13 games. And the grand finale? That’s set for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey—so start practicing your victory dances now.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will kick off the festivities on June 12 in Inglewood, California. A week later, they’ll take their talents to Seattle, before wrapping up the group stage back in Inglewood on June 25. If you’re hoping to join the action in person, you’ll definitely want to get 2026 World Cup tickets. It’s a coast-to-coast adventure that’s sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

With sports legends, celebrity hosts, and an entertainment lineup that reads like a who’s who of pop culture, the 2026 World Cup draw is shaping up to be anything but a routine affair. For fans at home, be sure to check out the comprehensive World Cup viewing guide so you don’t miss a moment. And if you thought this was just about picking names out of a hat, think again—this is the main event before the main event. For all the latest sports news and updates, stay tuned as the countdown to kickoff continues!