The glittering Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., transformed into the epicentre of global football excitement as the official draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026 took place. In a move that blended sports and showbiz, the ceremony was co-hosted by the dynamic duo of Hollywood comedian Kevin Hart and supermodel Heidi Klum, setting a vibrant tone for the tournament to be hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Hart's Hilarious Pitch: From Soccer to Football
Kevin Hart, a staple of American sports culture usually seen courtside at NBA games, instantly connected with the worldwide audience. He kicked off his hosting duties by proudly embracing the global term for the beautiful game. "I am proud to be here as a soccer fan," Hart began, before quickly correcting himself. "Wait, correction. I should not say soccer. The rest of the world calls it football."
He then launched into a series of rapid-fire comparisons that brought the house down, cleverly linking football legends to American sports icons. "I do know my [Lionel] Messi from my Michael Jordan, I know my Cristiano [Ronaldo] from my Stephen Curry, I know my [Jude] Bellingham from my Tom Brady," he declared. His shout-outs to NBA legends Michael Jordan and Stephen Curry drew roaring laughter, highlighting the seamless blend of international sport and American entertainment.
Not one to let the energy dip, Hart repeatedly pumped up the celebrity-packed audience, urging them with exclamations like, "You guys can do better than that! Come on!" and "Make some noise in the air one time."
Klum's Confident Return and Star-Studded Support
While Hart commanded the stage with humour, his co-host Heidi Klum brought a sense of ceremony and experience. This was her second time hosting a World Cup draw, having first done it two decades ago. "To be hosting the final draw again, after having been involved in this show 20 years ago in my home country, is truly extraordinary," Klum reflected, adding that the World Cup "brings the world together like nothing else."
Her presence sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some viewers commenting on the pacing. However, she guided the proceedings with poise. The actual mechanics of the 48-team format draw were managed by former football star Rio Ferdinand and presenter Samantha Johnson.
The event's grandeur was amplified by a lineup of sporting royalty from across the globe who assisted in the draw. The stage saw the likes of NFL great Tom Brady, hockey icon Wayne Gretzky, baseball superstar Aaron Judge, and basketball hall-of-famer Shaquille O'Neal, underscoring the cross-sport appeal of the World Cup.
Viral Moments and Presidential Banter
The night was ripe with shareable moments. A particularly viral exchange occurred when FIFA President Gianni Infantino approached the stage. Embracing the "ladies first" ethos, he greeted Heidi Klum first with a hug, momentarily leaving Kevin Hart playfully sidelined. Hart reacted with mock indignation, saying, "Get out of here," before warmly embracing President Infantino himself and carrying on with the show.
The draw itself marked a pivotal logistical milestone for the upcoming 2026 tournament. With the groups now decided, fans and teams from the qualified nations can begin their preparations in earnest for the world's largest sporting event, which will be spread across 16 cities in three North American nations.
The fusion of Kevin Hart's comedic energy, Heidi Klum's ceremonial grace, and the assembly of legends from every major sport created a unique spectacle. It successfully bridged continents and cultures, proving that the road to the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be as much about entertainment as it is about elite football.
