The stage is set in Washington, D.C. for one of soccer’s most anticipated nights. On December 5, the draw that will shape the groups of the 2026 World Cup steps into the spotlight but the event itself promises far more than just balls and bowls.

At the heart of the ceremony stand many unmistakable names, slated to co-host the broadcast from the historic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Glamour, humour and Hollywood flair converge to usher in what many expect to be a global spectacle.

The ceremony also brings together sporting legends from across disciplines. Big stars will assist in revealing group-stage matchups, underscoring the global reach and crossover appeal of this expanded, 48-team FIFA World Cup.

Who will conduct the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final draw?

FIFA Legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand will take on the role of lead conductor for the historic 48-team draw, alongside award-winning broadcaster Samantha Johnson. Together, they will guide the official proceedings that will determine the 12 groups for the expanded tournament.

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

Which sports legends will serve as draw assistants?

The stage in Washington will also welcome a remarkable group of cross-sport icons serving as draw assistants. Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge and Shaquille O’Neal will step into the spotlight, representing American football, ice hockey, baseball and basketball respectively.

“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”, Brady said. Gretzky echoed that sentiment, highlighting the sport’s global reach, while Judge pointed to the personal significance of the final being set in the New York–New Jersey area.

Adding another layer of star power, two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning will serve as the event’s red carpet host, welcoming guests as the world’s attention turns to the beginning of the 2026 World Cup journey.

Who are the entertainment co-hosts for the World Cup draw?

The Final Draw will be co-hosted by three global personalities with very different backgrounds but equal mainstream impact. Supermodel, producer and Emmy-winning TV host Heidi Klum returns to the World Cup draw stage two decades after her first appearance ahead of the 2006 tournament in Germany.

“This time, on an even bigger stage involving three host countries and 48 teams, is an incredible honour”, she said, reflecting on her return to the event, according to the official FIFA website.

Joining her is Kevin Hart, one of the most successful comedians and actors of his generation, whose presence adds a high-energy, crossover appeal to the ceremony. Completing the hosting trio is actor and producer Danny Ramirez, who will connect with soccer legends in attendance and bring a distinct Hollywood flair to the broadcast.

“As someone who grew up playing football, getting to co-host the draw and meet and speak with World Cup legends at such a high-profile event is a dream”, Ramirez said, also highlighting his personal ties to the United States and Mexico.

The debate over football’s greatest player has been ongoing for decades, with fans and pundits weighing in on legends from Pelé and Diego Maradona to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. While opinions vary, Ronaldo himself recently made it clear that he believes he is the best, a statement that caused a stir. However, his former teammate Rio Ferdinand has come to his defense from the criticism.

Speaking in an interview with El Chiringuito de Jugones, Ronaldo declared himself “the most complete player to have existed,” saying that “one thing is taste, if you like Messi, Pelé, Maradona, I understand that and I respect that—but saying Ronaldo isn’t complete… I’m the most complete. I haven’t seen anybody better than me, and I say it from the heart.”

Ferdinand, who played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United, stepped in to defend his former teammate. Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, he pointed out what he saw as a double standard in how similar statements from other players are received. “Everyone champions Zlatan [Ibrahimovic] for saying stuff like that and goes, ‘Oh, what a guy, I love his personality and character,’” Ferdinand said.

“When Cristiano says it, they’re like, ‘Oh, he’s so arrogant. How could he say that?’” He also highlighted Ronaldo’s remarkable consistency: “Since 2007, he’s been the top scorer for every team he played in. Just let that sink in. It’s unbelievable. Ronaldo is disrespected on a regular basis.”

Jamie Carragher and Javier Mascherano commented on Ronaldo’s stance

Not everyone agreed with Ronaldo’s self-assessment. Jamie Carragher was among those who took issue with his words, calling the comments unnecessary. “It’s embarrassing… he’s one of the greats, and he doesn’t have to do interviews every month to say it himself,” Carragher said on Amazon Prime. “All the interviews are pre-planned, and you know the questions he will be asked. It’s ridiculous that he let his friends pressure him to say these things.”

Meanwhile, Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami’s coach, also responded to the comments. “Those are opinions. I obviously have great respect for Cristiano, and I don’t need to analyze his opinion. That’s what he believes. And I also have my own thoughts, which are different. That’s all,” Mascherano said when asked about Ronaldo’s stance.

The rivalry between Ronaldo and Messi has defined an era, with both players breaking records at club and international levels. Ronaldo remains the all-time leading scorer in men’s professional football with more than 920 goals, while Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, the most in history, as well as the ultimate trophy: the World Cup. Either way, the debate over who is the greatest will likely continue.

The player in question is Lamine Yamal, a 17-year-old forward for Barcelona, who recently claimed the prestigious Golden Boy award, given to the best young player in the world. Yamal earned the accolade thanks to his stellar performances for both his club and the Spanish national team.

“I’ve never seen a player achieve what he’s accomplishing at his age—not even Messi,” Ferdinand said, praising the Barcelona prodigy for his individual and team achievements. Yamal has established himself as a starter under Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

Yamal’s impact at Barcelona

Throughout the past season, Yamal became a key figure for Barcelona, helping the team contend for the top spot in LaLiga while also performing well in the group stage of the UEFA Champions League.

However, the young star has faced challenges recently. He struggled with two ankle injuries in November and December, which sidelined him for 49 days and caused him to miss five games. Despite these setbacks, Yamal remains a vital part of Barcelona’s plans for the future.

Yamal responds to Messi comparisons

In an interview with Marca, Yamal addressed the comparisons to Lionel Messi, admitting he feels uneasy with the parallels. “It’s an honor, but I’m trying to write my own story. Messi is the best in history, and I’m just taking my first steps. Sometimes these comparisons don’t help,” Yamal explained.

Yamal also revealed that Brazilian legends Neymar and Ronaldinho have been significant inspirations in his career. “Neymar and Ronaldinho, mainly because of their fun style and how they lived the game. They were always trying something new,” he said.

Messi’s praise for Yamal

Earlier in December, Lionel Messi himself acknowledged Yamal’s potential when asked if he saw a young player with similar qualities to his own. “I think there’s a new generation of players who are very good, with many dreams ahead of them. But if I have to choose one, based on his age, his accomplishments so far, and his potential, it’s Lamine without a doubt,” Messi said.

“It depends on him and other factors because soccer is unpredictable. But he’s already part of the present and has a bright future ahead,” the Argentine legend added.

“We’d been to Portugal and played a couple of games, and he hadn’t played well, Cristiano, because he was young, he tried too hard,” said Ferdinand also adding “I remember we played Benfica, and the manager ripped into Cristiano. ‘Who d’you think you are? You’re coming in here trying to prove to everybody who you think you are, you think you’re a superstar’ and I remember Cristiano in tears in the changing room. And I was like, ‘This manager don’t care, man. He don’t care who you are’. But then look at the player that he became. He needed moments like that. And the manager knew that he could be soft and nice with him, but he had to be hard as well to get him to where he got to, the world’s best player when he left.”

Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the greatest managers in Premier League history, crafting the most successful Manchester United teams ever. However, many players have since confessed that his tough and demanding nature could be overwhelming, even for someone as talented as Ronaldo.

Despite Ferguson’s intensity, his success stemmed from his unparalleled ability to understand what each player needed for motivation. With Ronaldo, Ferguson not only pushed him to excel but also acted as a father figure. Following the death of Ronaldo’s father, Ferguson gave him the freedom to be with his family during that difficult time, a gesture Ronaldo has publicly thanked him for on numerous occasions.

Ferguson’s approach helped Ronaldo thrive, culminating in a Ballon d’Or win in 2008 and cementing his status as the world’s best player before his transfer to Real Madrid in 2009. It was Ferguson’s unique blend of tough love and empathy that ultimately brought out the best in Ronaldo.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s transformation as a player driven by chronic injury

Perhaps not everyone knows this, but Cristiano Ronaldo has been managing a chronic injury since 2014 when he was diagnosed with patellar tendinosis. This condition, while treatable, is incurable. Recovery involves a careful balance of physical work and rest. However, over-resting can lead to weakened quadriceps, forcing the player to restart the recovery process, a constant challenge for any athlete.

As a result of this injury, Ronaldo began losing the explosiveness and dribbling ability that defined his early years as a winger. Faced with this reality, he had only one option: to adapt. Ronaldo transitioned into a more goal-focused role, excelling as both a winger and a center forward. While his dribbling prowess diminished, his ability to find the back of the net became even sharper.

This evolution highlights Cristiano Ronaldo’s remarkable resilience. Despite the limitations imposed by his condition, he adapted his game and maintained his status as one of the world’s best players, winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards after this injury in 2015, 2016, and 2017. His ability to reinvent himself in the face of adversity stands as a testament to his dedication and greatness.

Prior to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden exit from Manchester United shocked thousands of fans. At 37-years old, the legendary player believed he had a lot to offer to the club. Nevertheless, many reasons led to his departure. It was over at Old Trafford.

Now, in a surprising turn of events, Bruno Fernandes emerges again as a possible factor in the situation of Cristiano Ronaldo according to a Manchester United’s legendary player.

Rio Ferdinand: Bruno Fernandes wasn’t at full potential with Cristiano Ronaldo

Rio Ferdinand spoke loud and clear about therelationship between Bruno Fernandes and Cristiano Ronaldo. According to his words, Fernandes never reached his full potential when Cristiano was on the field.

“There are some players where their game just does not connect and I think it happened with Cristiano and Bruno (Fernandes). Bruno was just better when he (Cristiano Ronaldo) was not there or not in the team. I think that might be because Bruno needs to be the guy that the game goes through. I think the problem with Cristiano Ronaldo is because of his reputation and how good he is. People feel that they need to find him.”

Rio Ferdinand pointed out that Bruno Fernandes’ arrival to Manchester United was in a leading role and, naturally, Cristiano Ronaldo wanted to do the same in his last stint with the club.

“Bruno wants the first look and says, ‘Give me the first look, as I want to be the guy who plays the ball to define the game’. If he wasn’t getting that first look, maybe he (Bruno) became a bit disinterested. I don’t know and it didn’t suit him. You are seeing the best of him now, because the game seems to be going through him more often than not at Mancheter United.”

During the Qatar 2022 World Cup, many reports from Portugal’s camp stated that Bruno Fernandes didn’t have a good relationship with Cristiano Ronaldo. He even ignited the rumors when he posted that Manchester United was finally playing as a ‘team’ after his departure. So, with Rio Ferdinand’s comments, the controversy is right back on.

The Red Devils will finish trophyless for the fifth season in a row, which explains how muchthey’ve been struggling for a long time. This season was supposed to see United get back to European or domestic prominence but none of those things have happened.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was fired early in the season but the appointment of Ralf Rangnick as interim manager until the summer has not worked out as expected. Manchester United have once again let their fans down, which is why club legendsRio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes made their voicesheardafter yet another frustration.

Paul Scholes takes shot at Ralf Rangnick after Man United’s UCL loss

Manchester United might be a giant but their best days are far behind them. If someone knows a thing or two about the club’s glory days, that is Paul Scholes. The former midfielder has weighed in on the team’s loss and suggested that Rangnick is fully responsible for it.

“It comes from leadership. It comes from a coach demanding that from his players and gets that from his players,” Scholes told BT Sport, viaThe Mirror. “I don’t want to keep having a go at Ralf Rangnick, he seems really nice and comes across well in interviews, he’s very honest. But, how he was chosen to be manager of this club for six months until the end of the season, I’ll never know. The coach is a massive part of it. This isn’t a terrible group of players. I think if you give this group of players a structure and way of playing, there’s some real talent in the squad.

“They’re not as talented as the teams above them (in the Premier League ), we know that. But, the very first thing this club needs to do, to get anywhere near winning the league again, is get a proper coach.”

Scholes has also suggested that there is not a difference between Atletico and United’s squads, but it’s in their managers: “Atletico are not a better team than Manchester United but they’ve got a better experienced coach,” Scholes said. “If he [Simeone] was coaching Man United they win that game.”

Rio Ferdinand says not even Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland would solve United’s problems

Ferdinand has also shared his thoughts about United’s embarrassing elimination but he claimed that the problems won’t be solved overnight by elite playersof the likes ofKylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland. Instead, the legendary defender believes the problem starts from the top.

“If you bring in Mbappe and Haaland this summer, Manchester United aren’t winning the league. It doesn’t matter who they bring in,” Ferdinand told BT Sport, via ESPN. Besides, he pointed out that it’s not easy for the club to bring a manager because of the pressure that coaching United implies.

“There’s so much work to be done. I understand what Man United means to us, the emblem, it means so much. But, if you’re looking to come here, it’s a great project to be a part of, but I think managers might look at others clubs because there’s less pressure, the spotlight isn’t on them as much,” he said, as quoted by The Mirror.

“I think behind the scenes the club will be doing their work in trying to find the next person for that hot seat. It’s not easy. The managers you probably want are all in jobs. But that’s part of football, you’ve got to find the right person,” Ferdinand continued. Additionally, he noted that while the Atletico squad would do anything Simeone asks them to do, the United side has much more doubts.

“The Atletico team had a group of reliable men that would go out there and do whatever the manager has asked them. They understood the job at hand and worked together as a team. Whereas, United are all looking at each other wondering ‘who’s going to pull a magic trick out of the hat? Who’s going to pull us out of danger? Ronaldo did it at the weekend but who’s next?’”

Whenever the likes of Ferdinand and Scholes have something to say about the club where they shone, you listen. Especially in times like these, when the team leaves so much to be desired. Both of them have fair points, Manchester United have continuously hitrock bottom since Sir Alex Ferguson left but it’s time for them to make significant changes and get back toglory days.

The now pundit found a place for Cristiano Ronaldo in his FIFA team of the year, as well as Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, but he made one glaring omission, Lionel Messi.

Ferdinand also found room for N’Golo Kante stating, ‘[Kylian] Mbappe and [Erling] Haaland are going to win [selection] for the next ten years. If you don’t have Kante as well, then you might as well go under the table.’

Rio Ferdinand leaves out Lionel Messi from his FIFA team of the year

With regard to Messi, Rio Ferdinand pointed out to FIVE, ‘Messi, since he’s been at PSG, can’t be in the conversation – because of how badly he’s done after the transfer window in terms of goals and assists… If [Ronaldo] doesn’t play, Man United get knocked out of the Champions League. [Salah is the] Premier League’s best player. He has been nothing short of remarkable. He’s destroyed all comers. This guy’s so clinical.’

Robert Lewandowski also got a lot of praise from the former England defender, ‘(Lewandowski) Scored the most league goals of any player in Europe’s top five leagues. That’s all I need to say. He wins it, no argument.’

Rio Ferdinand team for FIFA team of the year is as follows:

Goalkeeper: Mendy

Defenders: Walker, Rudiger, Dias, Cancelo

Midfielders: Muller, Kante, Verratti

Forwards: Salah, Ronaldo, Lewandowski