The 2026 World Cup draw was broadcast live from Washington, D.C., on Friday night, and people watching from around the world were quick to air their frustrations over the over-the-top production.
Fans watching the 2026 World Cup draw were quick to voice their displeasure at how long it took for the process to actually begin. As countries around the world embark on dreams of global soccer success, all eyes are on the game in Washington, DC.
England are among the favorites to win next summer’s tournament, along with world champions Argentina. However, supporters had to wait a while to find their country’s opponents.
The glittering ceremony, co-hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart and actor Danny Ramirez, began with a performance by Andrea Bocelli, before Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger took to the stage.
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And it didn’t take long for high-profile social media users around the world to voice their complaints about how long it was taking for the draw to actually begin.
One person wrote to X: “Just like the group stage draw for the Champions League, the draw for the FIFA World Cup will likely take 10 years. I don’t know which is worse, but with all the music, awards, etc., it’s similar to the draw for the World Cup.”
One person continued: “Why do we have to do something so disgusting to the World Cup draw?” A third person replied, “Why does the World Cup draw take two hours?” The user added a sleeping emoji.
Even more fans flooded social media after FIFA president Gianni Infantino took to the stage to claim that 6 billion people will be watching the World Cup from home.
“Okay, so far the World Cup draw is horribly disgusting. Just do the draw and show us the groups,” one person wrote.
Another added: “You’re dragging out a World Cup draw.” One disgruntled viewer wrote: “The World Cup live draw is just pathetic television. They just draw groups, damn it!!!”
Elsewhere, some took issue with Williams and Scherzinger’s performance of a brand new football anthem. desire.
One said: “Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger? Is this a World Cup pairing or an X Factor final?” There was also another statement. “When I turned on the TV to watch the #WorldCup pairings, Robbie Williams was singing… Can we just keep going like this?!”
A third said: “The Bold Cup tie hasn’t even trailed half way. Now it’s Robbie Williams,” while a fourth added: “Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger never sang a World Cup song together but here they are.”
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