Everything fell into place for the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., on Friday. Even before the ball was struck, those in the arena and those watching at home enjoyed more than an hour of entertainment.
From Andrea Bocelli’s masterful opening performance to Gianni Infantino’s use of chants and comedy to get the crowd going. Despite criticism on social media, the event was a success without any major issues.
The draw itself was a kind result for England. One of the favorites heads into next summer’s tournament aiming to top the group, which also includes Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
But away from football, there were some interesting moments, to say the least. Here we highlight some moments you may have missed…
Awkward selfie that goes viral
In a draw filled with spectacle, performances and awkwardness, the moments between President Gianni Infantino and the leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada left many perplexed.
After having attendees inside the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts sing American, Mexican or Canadian chants, Infantino welcomed U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to the stage and revealed which group the three host countries belonged to.
And as they were about to leave the stage, Infantino, apparently on script, offered to take a selfie with the three of them before pulling out his cell phone and snapping a photo. BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce did not hesitate to speak out about the FIFA president.
In one instance, he said, “This man has no shame.” He then added, “I hope the lottery will be completed by the first game in June.”
Kane’s blunder in Dublin
During the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup draw, former striker Dion Dublin made the mistake during a flashback of England’s heartbreak in Qatar. “We will never let us down,” the Dublin manager said after Harry Kane scored the equalizer from the penalty spot.
Unfortunately, that comment backfired when Kane’s penalty miss was shown seconds later. The England striker missed a penalty as the Three Lions were eliminated in the quarter-finals against France.
Fans on social media quickly noticed the gaffe. One said: “Dion Dublin talked about Harry Kane: ‘He never let us down’ and then they showed him missing.” He added: “It was a nice touch to see Dion Dublin say ‘Kane will never let us down’ about 12 seconds before the footage of Kane going over the bar to score the penalty.”
awkward laughter
Mr. Infantino welcomed Mr. Trump to the stage to draw his country’s draw, and he followed Mr. Sheinbaum and Mr. Carney. The former pair appeared to have rehearsed their greetings to the FIFA president before heading to the station, but Trump did not.
The President of the United States entered the stage in a different way, walking behind Infantino and quickly walking to his place. Infantino appeared to be trying to get Trump to look at him, but he gave up and the two awkwardly laughed together.
