The excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues to grow, especially with the announcement that some of the biggest names in sports will take part in the official group stage draw. Scheduled for this Friday at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, the event will feature four global legends: Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, and Aaron Judge. These athletes from football, basketball, ice hockey, and baseball will come together to reveal the group stage matchups for the first-ever World Cup hosted jointly by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

This World Cup will be a historic one, not only because of the expanded host countries but also due to its expanded format. For the first time, 48 teams will compete in the tournament, up from the previous 32-team format. This change is sure to bring a host of exciting matchups, and the draw will play a crucial role in shaping the tournament’s dynamics, from potential dream clashes to the formation of dreaded "groups of death."

As of now, 42 teams have already secured their spots in the tournament, leaving six remaining spots to be decided through qualification. The draw is highly anticipated as it will determine the groupings, potentially setting the stage for fierce competition and dramatic showdowns. The reveal of the groups will have an immediate impact on strategies, team preparations, and the excitement of fans worldwide, who are already speculating about which teams could end up facing each other in the early stages.

What makes this event even more intriguing is the fact that legends from four different major sports will all be on stage together for a soccer-related event. Seeing figures like Tom Brady, a football icon; Shaquille O’Neal, a basketball giant; Wayne Gretzky, the "Great One" of ice hockey; and Aaron Judge, the powerhouse of baseball, all together for a soccer draw is a surreal moment for sports fans. Their involvement adds a special layer of glamour and excitement to the already thrilling atmosphere surrounding the World Cup.

As the world waits for the draw to unfold, soccer fans everywhere are already dreaming of potential matchups. Which teams do you want to see face off in the group stage? Will we see powerhouse teams like Brazil, Germany, and Argentina clash early on? Or will underdogs make a splash with unexpected victories? The possibilities are endless, and the countdown to the 2026 World Cup has officially begun.