For the first time since 1994, the Men's World Cup will be held across North America.
Games will be held at sites spread across Canada, Mexico and the United States in 2026. While it is an exciting time for North America, the hype will intensify once the World Cup draw takes place. At this event, all qualified teams are assigned to their groups. This gives the tournament its initial bracket, and the schedule will be finalized.
To help increase the excitement around both the Men's World Cup and the draw, FIFA isn't pulling any punches. The organization is tagging in prominent figures from across North American sports to help pick the draw for the 2026 World Cup.
Here is why Shaquille O'Neal, Tom Brady and Wayne Gretzky are among those at the 2026 World Cup Draw.
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Why is Tom Brady at World Cup draw?
Brady has been tagged by FIFA as a "draw assistant." He will be one of the people charged with picking orbs containing the names of teams, which FIFA will then sort into groups following a "pre-established procedure."
While Brady is known for his career in American football, he has recently gotten involved in soccer. He became a minority owner of the Las Vegas Raiders and also of Birmingham City, which currently plays in the English Premier League's second tier. Brady became a minority owner in 2023, and was approved as a minority owner of the Raiders in 2024.
About being included, 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."
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Why is Shaq at World Cup draw?
Shaq is one of the most recognizable basketball players of all time. It helps that the former center is 7-foot-1, but after retirement, he has since gotten involved in several side quests.
He has clothing brands, ad campaigns and even performs as a DJ while providing basketball commentary as an analyst. Shaq hasn't fully crossed into the soccer world, but he has reported interest. In 2024, the basketball Hall-of-Famer was reported as having interest in joining West Ham United as a minority owner.
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Why is Wayne Gretzky at World Cup draw?
Gretzky in a hockey icon. While Alexander Ovechkin surpassed his all-time goal record, Gretzky still holds the record for most points in a hockey career.
The Great One recently spoke with Canada's national team at the request of head coach Jessie Marsch. Gretzky spoke to them before a friendly against Venezuela.
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Why is Eli Manning at World Cup draw?
Manning will play a role in the draw as well. He may be one of the draw assistants as well, but the New York Times reported that the former New York Giants quarterback will serve as the red carpet event host. While Manning may not seem like the ideal choice to host a red carpet, he does host "The Manningcast" with his brother Peyton throughout the NFL season, and he has been hamming it up with celebrities and athletes alike.
Manning, like Brady, has invested in soccer, but unlike his quarterback counterpart, Manning didn't go abroad. Instead, he invested in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team Gotham FC in New York.
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Other sports stars at World Cup draw
Other sports stars who will reportedly assist with the World Cup draw include New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand will lead the draw.