The 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C on Friday had everything. Before a ball was even drawn, spectators in the arena and those watching at home were given over an hour of entertainment.
From Andrea Bocelli’s outstanding performance to raise the curtain, to Gianni Infantino’s crowd-lifting methods with chants and comedy. Despite the criticism on social media, the event was a success with no major hiccups.
The draw itself produced a kind outcome for England. One of the heavy favourites will head to next summer’s tournament looking to top a group which includes Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
But away from the football, there were some moments that were interesting – to say the least. Here, we take at some moments you may have missed…
Awkward viral selfie
In a draw that was filled with spectacles, performances and awkwardness, the moment between president Gianni Infantino and the leaders of the USA, Mexico, and Canada left many embarrassed.
After getting those inside the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to chant USA, Mexico, or Canada, Infantino welcomed U.S President Donald Trump, President of Mexico Claudia Sheinbaum and Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney to the stage to reveal what groups the three host nations will be in.
And as they went to leave the stage, Infantino, obviously scripted, opted to ask for a selfie with the three before taking his phone out and posing for a picture. BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce didn’t hold back in his words on the FIFA president.
In one instance, he said: “The man knows no shame.” He later added: “Hopefully the draw will be finished in time for the first match in June.”
Dublin’s Kane slip-up
During the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup draw, former striker Dion Dublin made an error during a flashback of England’s heartbreak in Qatar. Dublin remarked that Harry Kane “never lets us down” after he equalised from the penalty spot.
Unfortunately, the comment backfired seconds later when Kane’s missed penalty was shown. The England striker missed a penalty in the quarter-finals against France as the Three Lions crashed out.
Fans on social media were rapid to spot the slip-up. One said: “Dion Dublin on Harry Kane ‘He’s never let us down does he’ and then they show him missing.” Another put: “Dion Dublin saying ‘Kane never lets us down’ about 12 seconds before footage of Kane blazing a penalty over the bar is a lovely touch.”
Awkward laugh
When Infantino welcomed Trump on the stage to conduct the draw for the home nations, he came after Sheinbaum and Carney. After the previous pair seemed to follow the rehearsal of greeting the FIFA president before making their way to their station, Trump didn’t.
The U.S president entered the stage a different way and walked behind Infantino, before walking to his spot straight away. Infantino did seem to attempt to direct Trump toward him, before giving up and the pair awkwardly shared a laugh.