The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially took shape on Friday — and Shaquille O’Neal was right in the middle of the action.
The Basketball Hall of Famer joined an all-star lineup of global sports figures for the World Cup Final Draw in Washington, D.C., adding his signature charisma to one of the most-watched sporting ceremonies in the world. Sharing the stage with NFL legend Tom Brady, Yankees superstar Aaron Judge, former NHL great Wayne Gretzky, and soccer icon Rio Ferdinand, Shaq helped unveil the tournament’s group assignments for a record-setting 64 participating nations.
It was the kind of megawatt, celebrity-stacked event tailor-made for Shaq — and he delivered, as always.
A Star-Studded World Cup Moment
The draw already promised to be historic, but its cast of presenters elevated the show into something closer to a global entertainment event. Brady called the honor “the kind of global stage every athlete dreams of,” and Shaq echoed those sentiments in his own style, greeting fans and interacting with participants as only he can.
As one of the most recognizable sports personalities on Earth, Shaq’s presence reinforced the international crossover appeal of the World Cup. From his NBA dominance to his global endorsements and entertainment ventures, O’Neal has long been a cultural ambassador in his own right — making him a natural fit for soccer’s biggest stage.
Celebrities, Music, and a Worldwide Audience
The ceremony itself played more like a Hollywood production than a traditional sports draw. Heidi Klum co-hosted the event, joined by Kevin Hart and Danny Ramirez. Musical performances included superstars such as Nicole Scherzinger, Andrea Bocelli, and Robbie Williams — plus a nostalgic appearance from the Village People performing “Y.M.C.A.”
FIFA also introduced its first-ever Peace Prize, honoring extraordinary actions in support of global harmony. Meanwhile, former NFL quarterback Eli Manning handled red-carpet hosting duties, greeting fans and VIPs from around the world.
It was an evening built for spectacle — and one that Shaq helped energize with his trademark larger-than-life presence.
The Biggest World Cup Ever
This year’s draw was particularly important because the 2026 World Cup will be the largest in history:
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Expanded field: 48 teams instead of 32
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Record participants: 64 nations represented (including playoff placeholders)
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104 total matches
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16 host venues across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada
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Final at MetLife Stadium, complete with the first-ever World Cup halftime show
With only 42 spots already confirmed, the draw included placeholders for 22 teams still battling for the final berths in March. For the U.S. Men’s National Team, the schedule is now locked: opening June 12 in Inglewood, then traveling to Seattle, before closing the group stage back in California.
Shaq on the Global Stage — Again
Whether it’s hoops, television, business, or entertainment, Shaq has a knack for showing up wherever the world is watching. His appearance at the World Cup draw was another reminder that his influence extends far beyond basketball — and that when the moment calls for star power, Shaq remains the biggest attraction in the room.