For the first time in over three decades, the Men's FIFA World Cup is returning to North America, creating an unprecedented buzz across the continent. The 2026 edition of the tournament will be hosted jointly by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marking a historic moment for soccer in the region. Fans and experts alike are eagerly anticipating the action, but excitement is already building ahead of the official World Cup draw.
The World Cup draw is the event where qualified teams are assigned to their respective groups, laying out the tournament’s initial bracket and providing a roadmap for match schedules. This process is crucial, as it determines potential matchups, early-round clashes, and the path teams will take toward lifting the trophy. While the draw is always a highly anticipated event in its own right, FIFA is ensuring the 2026 version is particularly star-studded.
In an innovative move to generate buzz and engage audiences, FIFA has invited some of North America’s most iconic sports figures to participate in the draw. Names like Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, and Eli Manning are slated to take part, adding a layer of celebrity appeal to the tournament proceedings. Here’s a closer look at why these legends are involved in the 2026 World Cup draw.
Why is Tom Brady at the World Cup Draw?
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback of the NFL, has been appointed by FIFA as a “draw assistant.” In this role, he will help pick the orbs containing the names of the participating teams. FIFA will then assign these teams to groups according to a “pre-established procedure,” ensuring that each group is balanced and competitive.
While Brady is widely recognized for his achievements in American football, he has recently ventured into the world of soccer. He became a minority owner of Birmingham City, a club currently competing in the English Championship, the second tier of English football. Additionally, he has a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders, highlighting his broader interest in sports management and ownership. Brady secured his stake in Birmingham City in 2023 and was approved as a minority owner of the Raiders in 2024.
Reflecting on his involvement in the World Cup draw, Brady said, "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. I'm excited to help set the path for a tournament that brings the world together like nothing else." His presence not only brings global attention to the draw but also underscores soccer’s growing influence among American sports icons.
Why is Shaquille O’Neal at the World Cup Draw?
Shaquille O’Neal, often affectionately referred to as “Shaq,” is one of the most recognizable basketball players in history. Standing at 7-foot-1, Shaq dominated the NBA during his career, but he has also become a larger-than-life personality off the court.
Since retiring from professional basketball, Shaq has pursued a variety of ventures, including clothing lines, advertising campaigns, and DJing. He is also a prominent basketball analyst. Though he hasn’t fully immersed himself in soccer yet, Shaq has expressed a growing interest in the sport. In 2024, reports surfaced linking him to a potential minority ownership role with West Ham United in the English Premier League. His involvement in the World Cup draw highlights FIFA’s desire to bridge different sports audiences and generate excitement by featuring globally recognized athletes.
Why is Wayne Gretzky at the World Cup Draw?
Wayne Gretzky, universally known as “The Great One,” is synonymous with hockey greatness. While his record for the most career goals was eventually surpassed by Alexander Ovechkin, Gretzky still holds the record for the most points in professional hockey history.
Gretzky’s connection to soccer may seem less obvious, but he has maintained ties to Canadian sports and national teams. Recently, he spoke with Canada’s national soccer team ahead of a friendly against Venezuela, at the request of head coach Jessie Marsch. His participation in the World Cup draw adds another layer of Canadian representation and sporting prestige to the event, demonstrating how the draw is becoming more than just a logistical process—it’s a celebration of North American sports culture.
Why is Eli Manning at the World Cup Draw?
Eli Manning, former New York Giants quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion, will also play a role at the 2026 World Cup draw. While his exact duties remain slightly different from Brady’s, reports indicate that Manning will serve as the host for the draw’s red carpet event.
Although Manning might not seem like the conventional choice for hosting a glitzy soccer event, he has extensive experience engaging with fans and celebrities alike. During the NFL season, he co-hosts “The Manningcast” with his brother Peyton, where he provides commentary, interviews, and lighthearted banter.
Like Brady, Manning has invested in soccer, but his approach has been focused domestically. He owns a stake in Gotham FC, a club in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) based in New York. His participation further cements the crossover between North American sports stars and soccer, showcasing the growing influence of soccer across multiple sporting disciplines.
The Broader Impact of Celebrity Involvement
The inclusion of sports legends like Brady, Shaq, Gretzky, and Manning at the 2026 World Cup draw reflects FIFA’s strategy to elevate the event’s global profile. By bridging the worlds of basketball, American football, and hockey with soccer, the organization is expanding its audience and engaging fans who may not traditionally follow the sport. This move also emphasizes the North American flavor of the 2026 tournament, which promises to be an unparalleled spectacle, both on and off the pitch.
With iconic sports figures participating in the draw, fans around the world will have additional reasons to tune in. The presence of these stars ensures that the event becomes a unique entertainment experience, blending the excitement of global football with the charisma of some of North America’s most beloved athletes.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, anticipation for the tournament and its historic North American stage is reaching fever pitch. And with the likes of Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, and Eli Manning involved, this draw promises to be a memorable and star-studded prelude to the world’s biggest sporting event.
