BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce has criticized FIFA president Gianni Infantino over the draw for the 2026 World Cup, claiming: “This man has no shame.” The criticism came during a night that was dominated by entertainment and ceremony, with the actual drawing taking a decidedly backseat.
The World Cup draw, which was scheduled to begin at 5pm (British time), had passed for a full hour and only three countries had advanced: the host nation, the United States, Mexico and Canada. Infantino appeared on stage multiple times, first to welcome participants and introduce the expanded 48-team tournament format.
The FIFA Secretary then took to the stage to introduce a series of musical acts, and the football legends in attendance were interviewed throughout the night. The proceedings also featured the first FIFA Peace Prize, which was presented along with a medal to US President Donald Trump.
While some viewers were delighted by the spectacle, many fans expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the draw. The BBC’s Jonathan Pearce was particularly vocal in his criticism of Infantino during the broadcast.
At one point, Pearce, whose FIFA president was presiding over the initial proceedings, said: “This man has no shame.” That included a moment when Infantino posed for a selfie with the leaders of the United States, Mexico and Canada, who were on stage to pull their countries out of the pot.
The scene was unbearable for some TV viewers, especially during an awkward moment when the host tried to set the mood by encouraging the crowd to chant America, Mexico, Canada. The length of the trial period was also criticized, with Pearce quipped: “I hope the draw will be over by the first game in June.”
After an hour and 20 minutes of introduction, the actual drawing began, with comic Kevin Hart introducing sports legends such as Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal and Aaron Judge.
In the end, a draw was held and England were placed in Group L, with either Dallas or Toronto competing for the opening game. This position places them in the Brazilian section of the knockout stage, and if they make it through that group they will face the third-placed team in the round of 32.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to continue the momentum that saw his team win eight straight games without conceding a goal during qualifying.
“I don’t know if I know the starting XI, but I know the players that I’m sure I want to be with in America,” Tuchel told BBC Sport before the draw.
“I know there are some players who are very likely to start, but let’s take it step by step. It’s my job to get to know the players, have pictures and opinions, then choose them and stick with them, because they have worked very hard to earn my trust. I have a clear idea.”
With England’s aim of qualifying for their first World Cup since 1966 still within reach, manager Tuchel expressed increasing confidence in his team’s prospects. “We’re getting closer and we’re getting better. For my belief, we needed the camps in September, October and November. The way we camped, the results and the group came together.”
“Since then, our belief and that of the group has grown stronger and we will arrive to achieve something special. We cannot guarantee it, but we will arrive with the greatest goals.”
