RIO FERDINAND will lead the World Cup 2026 draw alongside US sports stars including Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal.
The legend, 47, has been confirmed as FIFA’s “conductor” for this Friday’s event in Washington DC.
Rio Ferdinand will lead Friday’s World Cup draw in Washington DCCredit: AFP
He will be assisted by American sports legends like Tom BradyCredit: Getty
And England fans will be hoping that can be their lucky charm as involving tough sides like Uruguay, Scotland and Ghana.
The six-time Premier League winner was capped 81 times by the Three Lions.
Ferdinand is now tasked with leading Friday’s draw as the eyes of the world fix upon America’s capital.
Assisting Ferdinand in his duties is British sports presenter and “co-conductor” Samantha Johnson.
And a number of other famous faces will certainly make the event one to remember.
NFL legend and two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning, 44, has been named as the “red carpet host.”
Meanwhile, icons from American football, ice hockey, baseball and basketball have been chosen as “draw assistants.”
Birmingham City co-owner and NFL icon Brady, 48, NBA favourite O’Neal, 53, Canadian NHL hero Wayne Gretzky, 64, and New York Yankees star Aaron Judge, 33, will help pick teams and their groups on live TV.
The event at the Kennedy Center will also see alongside American vocalist Nicole Scherzinger, 47, with Italian crooner Andrea Bocelli, 67, singing too.
US President Donald Trump, 79, will receive the first-ever FIFA peace award.
Presenter Samantha Johnson will assist Ferdinand with his dutiesCredit: AP
NFL legend Eli Manning is the red carpet hostCredit: Getty
And the event itself will be hosted by former German model Heidi Klum, 52, American comedian Kevin Hart, 46, and Captain America actor Danny Ramirez, 33.
Klum, who also took part in the 2006 draw for the World Cup in Germany, said: “To be hosting the final draw again, after having been involved in this show 20 years ago in my home country, is truly extraordinary.
“The World Cup brings the world together like nothing else.
“And being part of that magic again, on an even bigger stage involving three host countries and 48 teams, is an incredible honour.”
Shaquille O’Neal will help with the drawCredit: Getty
New York Yankees star Aaron Judges is among the helpersCredit: Getty
Ice hockey will be represented by Wayne GretzkyCredit: AFP
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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