Who is Rio Ferdinand? Meet the World Cup draw conductor picking FIFA's groups

David Suggs

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Who is Rio Ferdinand? Meet the World Cup draw conductor picking FIFA's groups image

Friday's 2026 World Cup draw will prove a star-laden affair.

Football’s governing body has left no stone unturned in its pursuit of global dominance, embracing the spotlight as it attempts to conjure up excitement ahead of the famous tournament, slated to be contested in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

From Village People and Robbie Williams to Donald Trump, the World Cup draw is set to feature a motley crew of notable figures. Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum are tasked with hosting the spectacle. But the draw itself will be conducted by a man with more passion for the beautiful game than most. He lived it and loved it. Now, a decade after his retirement, he’s finding a way to still make an impact on the pitch.

With that, here’s what you need to know about Rio Ferdinand, the draw conductor for the 2026 World Cup.

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Who is Rio Ferdinand?

Ferdinand is a famed former footballer who starred for West Ham, Leeds and, most famously, Manchester United, as well as England. The 47-year-old is considered one of his generation's best defenders, claiming six Premier League titles and a Champions League across his glimmering career. Since retirement, Ferdinand has found success as a BBC pundit, enchanting football fans with his analysis and humor. He'll look to make a similar mark during Friday's World Cup draw, where he will be tasked with drawing the balls.

Where is Rio Ferdinand from?

Ferdinand hails from Peckham, a district within the London Borough of Southwark. The town carries a population of 71,552, with Peckham ward housing 14,270, according to the 2011 Census.

He was a precocious youth, adept at football as well as gymnastics and ballet. The son of an Irish mother and Afro-Saint Lucian father, Ferdinand experienced all his hometown had to offer. He still shares a passion for his home all these years later.

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Did Rio Ferdinand play soccer?

Ferdinand did not merely play football. He was a star, capturing six Premier League medals and a Champions League with Manchester United. A 2023 Premier League Hall of Fame inductee, Ferdinand is regarded as one of the finest defenders of his generation. He was elegant on the ball, showing a prowess to drive into the midfield to create passing angles. He would strip the ball from opposition dribblers with ease, using his 6'2 frame to displace the sport's best technicians.

Ferdinand's individual accolades reflect his reputation among his contemporaries. He was a six-time PFA Team of the Year selectee and a member of the FIFPro World XI in 2008. He also played 81 times for England, cementing himself as one of the country's finest talents.

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Rio Ferdinand soccer career

A former Manchester United and England defender, Rio Ferdinand was one of world football’s most intimidating talents during his playing career. The Peckham-raised center back got his start at West Ham United, starring in an academy that also included future Chelsea captain and England star Frank Lampard. He was the club’s youngest-ever Premier League goal scorer, finding the target with a strike against Manchester United at the tender age of 18 years and 86 days.

Ferdinand’s gifts made him a hot commodity. In 2000, he moved to Leeds United for a record-breaking fee. He settled into life well in West Yorkshire, anchoring Leeds’ Champions League run before being named club captain in his second season. Financial issues prompted Leeds to sell him following the 2002 season. Manchester United came knocking, landing the then-23-year-old with a £29 million bid.

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The centre back enjoyed a glistening spell at Old Trafford, winning almost every major trophy across 12 seasons. Sharing the field alongside international superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Ryan Giggs, Ferdinand looked right at home at the Theatre of Dreams.

Ferdinand left the Red Devils in 2014, joining his hometown Queens Park Rangers. He retired following the 2015 season.

Why is Rio Ferdinand at World Cup draw?

A famed pundit whose on-field reputation still looms, Ferdinand was an apt choice to conduct Friday's draw. He is charismatic and well-known, helping add to the intrigue from Friday's spectacle.

“To conduct this historic draw is an unbelievable honour,” Ferdinand said, per FIFA.com. “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.”

Ferdinand won't be alone when he takes the stage. He'll be accompanied by Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O'Neal and Aaron Judge, who will serve as the draw's assistants.

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