Listen to this articleThe basics:
- FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw to unveil full 48-team field and group placements
- Gov. Phil Murphy, First Lady Tammy Murphy represent New Jersey at the event
- MetLife Stadium set to host eight matches, including the July 19, 2026, Final
- Celebrities & athletes join FIFA leaders for the global broadcast from DC
Dec. 5 is the day many have circled on the calendar as a major benchmark in the FIFA World Cup 2026 process.
Beginning at noon, FIFA hosts the World Cup 2026 Final Draw. The event will reveal the full (first-ever) 48-team field; 42 of the spots are filled – six more will be announced. Additionally, we will learn which of the 12 groups each nation will play in for next summer’s tournament — the world’s largest sporting event.
It also sets the stage for the full schedule release Dec. 6.
The Draw takes place from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The heads of government from the three FIFA World Cup 2026 host countries – the United States, Canada and Mexico – are scheduled to attend, including President Donald Trump, President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney.
Road to the World Cup
Gov. Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy are scheduled to be on-hand representing the great Garden State. Tammy Murphy also serves as chair of the board of directors of the NYNJ Host Committee.
New Jersey will host eight matches at MetLife Stadium, including the Final July 19, 2026.
“Tammy and I are excited to attend the FIFA World Cup Draw in our nation’s capital,” Gov. Murphy told NJBIZ. “This is yet another milestone on the road to the largest global event in history. We look forward to showcasing to the world our state’s unmatched spirit, hospitality, and energy.”
In addition to leaders and other dignitaries, a number of superstars from sports and entertainment will participate. Guests include:
- New York Giants legend and Super Bowl Champion Eli Manning, as red carpet host
- Patriots legend and Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady
- NHL Hall of Famer Wayne Gretzky
- NBA Hall of Famer – and Jersey native – Shaquille O’Neal
- New York Yankees All-Star Aaron Judge
- And more
‘Our own backyard’
FIFA legend and former England captain Rio Ferdinand will conduct the Draw, alongside award-winning international broadcaster Samantha Johnson.
“To conduct this historic Draw is an unbelievable honor,” said Ferdinand. “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 group stages of four teams that the whole world is waiting for.”
“I follow soccer closely, so being part of the World Cup Draw is incredibly special,” said Judge. “With the Final set for New York New Jersey – right where I play – I can’t wait to see which teams will be battling for the title in our own backyard.”
“The World Cup is one of the biggest stages in sports, and being part of the final Draw is something in which I take a lot of pride,” said O’Neal. “It’s such a special moment for the players and for the fans around the world, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
Fun for fans
The event will air on FOX and is expected to “draw” millions of viewers around the world.
Supermodel, producer and Emmy-winning television personality Heidi Klum; comedian and actor Kevin Hart; and actor and producer Danny Ramirez will co-host.
It will also include live performances by legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. Meanwhile, global superstar Robbie Williams and award-winning singer Nicole Scherzinger will perform together; and the Village People will close the show with the “Y.M.C.A.”
How does it work? FOX Sports explains:
The buzz is palpable – and growing – around the Garden State and the region as the tournament draws closer. The NYNJ Host Committee will hold watch parties for the Draw at a number of bars between the two states, including here in Jersey at:
- D’Arcy’s Tavern Bradley Beach
- Killarney’s Publick House Hamilton Township
- Mulligan’s Hoboken
- Varitage Brew Works Bloomfield
- Departed Soles Jersey City
“The Draw is one of the most important milestones on the road to 2026,” said NYNJ Host Committee CEO Alex Lasry told NJBIZ. “It gives us the clarity we need to refine operations while signaling to fans, businesses, and communities across New York New Jersey that the World Cup is on its way. Tomorrow brings us another step closer to welcoming the world in 2026.”
Game on
The Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce will also host a watch party at its Lyndhurst headquarters.
“The FIFA Draw is an exciting moment as we get closer to knowing exactly who is playing at MetLife Stadium for the Group Round games,” Meadowlands Chamber President and CEO Jim Kirkos told NJBIZ. “The Draw will determine the Teams in each of the 12 Groups.
“On Saturday, FIFA will release the actual schedule … then it’s GAME ON for us here in the Meadowlands and all of NJ!”
Please stay with NJBIZ for reaction and further coverage following the Draw and schedule release.
