Why Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum are hosting the 2026 World Cup draw

David Suggs

Why Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum are hosting the 2026 World Cup draw image

FIFA is pulling out all the stops as it attempts to build excitement for the 2026 World Cup draw.

The spectacle has been shrouded in controversy in recent weeks. President Donald Trump is rumored to be receiving a peace prize of his own after being spurned for the Nobel Peace Prize in favor of one of his biggest allies. Meanwhile, the event’s backdrop — the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. — is the subject of a Congressional probe.

The Village People are also performing. They'll take the stage to play Trump's signature anthem, "YMCA," a nod to the American president, whose relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under increased scrutiny as of late.

So, who will be serving as the masters of ceremony for this increasingly contentious event? Will it be someone whose life is shaped by the game of football? Not exactly...

With that, here’s what you need to know about the hosts of the 2026 World Cup draw.

2026 WORLD CUP HQ: Latest World Cup news | Full World Cup schedule | Buy World Cup tickets

Who is hosting the World Cup draw?

The 2026 World Cup draw is hosted by a pair of Hollywood standouts, with FIFA enlisting famed American comedian Kevin Hart and well-known German-American supermodel Heidi Klum to help facilitate the spectacle.

Who is Kevin Hart?

DraftKings promo code for NBA Playoffs: Kevin Hart’s offer for new customers
AP Photo

Hart is one of the world's most famous comedians. The diminutive 46-year-old is widely regarded as one of his generation's most memorable funnymen, earning a Mark Twain Prize for American Humor as well as two Grammy nominations and four Primetime Emmy nods.

A Philadelphia native, Hart got his start in dimly-lit comedy clubs in his hometown. He found a rhythm in the early 2000s, eventually establishing himself as a presence on the northeast United States' comedy circuit.

Hart became a film and television darling around the same time, landing a guest spot on Judd Apatow's 2002 sitcom, "Undeclared." Appearances on "Paper Soldiers", "Soul Plane", "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Death at a Funeral" followed, making Hart a household name.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

Why is Kevin Hart famous?

Hart is a renowned satirist, known for his timing and delivery. His comedy specials and tours have performed strongly, with Hart grossing more than $15 million during his "Laugh At My Pain" tour in 2011. He has performed at a litany of notable sites, including Lincoln Financial Field, home of his beloved Eagles.

Hart's success on stage has correlated with his growing prominence on the silver screen, too. He starred in "Ride Along", "Get Hard", "The Wedding Ringer" and "Jumanji", all of which performed strongly at the box office. Hart even tried his luck at drama, starring opposite Bryan Cranston and Nicole Kidman in the 2017 film, "The Upside."

Hart is an appropriate figure to lead FIFA's World Cup charge. Not only is he one of the entertainment industry's biggest stars. But he also shares relationships with power brokers who share close relationships with FIFA heads. He ignored calls for a cultural boycott against Saudi Arabia to perform at the Riyadh Comedy Festival. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Saudi Arabia's U.S.-backed government of committing human rights violations. FIFA, meanwhile, awarded Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup.

Kevin Hart net worth

Hart's net worth is valued at $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. Much of that figure comes from his comedic and acting careers, although he his media company, HartBeat, is also believed to contribute to his riches.

Who is Heidi Klum?

Heidi Klum 2025

Klum is a German-American model, actress, producer, television personality and entrepreneur who ranks as one of fashion and entertainment's most well-known figures. Born just outside of Cologne, Germany, Klum came to prominence as a model, landing a $300,000 modeling contract after winning a national competition in her home country as a teenager.

In the 30 years since, Klum has become one of the world's most valuable supermodels. Klum landed spots on Elle, InStyle, Marie Claire and Glamour magazine covers. She is a former Victoria's Secret "Angel" and has been a fixture on Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue.

Klum parlayed her modeling success into riches, using her profits to invest in various business ventures. In 2004, she became the host, judge and executive producer of "Project Runway", an American television program that sees fashion designers compete for the chance launch their own clothing line. The program enjoyed its 21st season in 2025.

Why is Heidi Klum famous?

As previously mentioned, Klum is best known for her modeling work. She is one of the world’s true supermodels, sharing that status with fashion icons like Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks.

Klum’s modeling career brought her fame and fortune, and her move into entertainment and business has kept her there. In addition to “Project Runway,” Klum spent more than a decade as a judge on the American talent competition “America’s Got Talent.” She also designs apparel, partnering with Birkenstock and Mouawad, respectively.

Heidi Klum net worth

Klum's net worth sits at $160 million,  per Celebrity Net Worth. Much of that value comes from her modeling career, which saw her earn endorsements with Givenchy, Marc Jacobs, Volkswagen and Astor, among other brands. However, her investment in entities like "Project Runway" have also contributed to her lavish life.

MORE WORLD CUP NEWS:

Content Producer

News Correspondent