FIFA has announced the exceptional assembly of sporting legends and world-class conductors who will lead fans through this exciting event. FIFA Legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand, one of the most celebrated defenders of his generation, will conduct the draw, assisted by award-winning international broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Together, they will guide audiences through a truly unprecedented draw, as per the official procedures.
“To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour,” said Ferdinand. “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.”
Joining them on stage will be an extraordinary cast of cross-sport icons from American football, basketball, baseball and ice hockey, making this final draw – once again – unlike any before. Seven-time National Football League (NFL) Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, National Hockey League (NHL) Hall of Famer and four-time Stanley Cup champion Wayne Gretzky, seven-time Major League Baseball (MLB) All-Star Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and four-time National Basketball Association (NBA) championship winner and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal will serve as draw assistants – bridging the worlds of global football and North America’s most celebrated sports.
“Being part of the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup is an incredible honour – it’s the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of,“ said Brady. “I’m excited to help set the path for a tournament that brings the world together like nothing else.”
“Soccer has a unique power to unite people from all over the world and create a positive impact, and I cannot wait to see this happening in North America next year and beyond, when we host the biggest-ever FIFA World Cup,” said Gretzky. “I’m thrilled to be part of the draw that will decide the fate of the participating teams – and stir emotions across the world. This will be an unforgettable moment for me personally.”
“I follow soccer closely, so being part of the World Cup draw is incredibly special,” reflected Judge. “With the final set for New York New Jersey – right where I play – I can’t wait to see which teams will be battling for the title in our own backyard.”
“When you’ve worn your country’s colours, you understand how much moments like this mean,” added O’Neal. “The World Cup is one of the biggest stages in sports, and being part of the final draw is something in which I take a lot of pride. It’s such a special moment for the players and for the fans around the world, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
To round off the star-studded line-up of sporting icons at the final draw, two-time NFL Super Bowl champion Eli Manning is set to bring his trademark charisma to the event as its red carpet host.
The final draw will be broadcast live on FIFA.com and by FIFA’s media partners around the world from 12:00 ET (18:00 CET).