BBC commentator Jonathan Pearce handed out criticism to FIFA president Gianni Infantino throughout the 2026 World Cup draw, claiming that “the man knows no shame.” The criticism came during an evening dominated by entertainment and ceremony, with the actual draw taking a distinct back-seat.
Scheduled to begin at 5pm (UK time), the World Cup draw had progressed through just three nations – host countries USA, Mexico, and Canada – after a full hour had elapsed. Infantino made multiple appearances on stage, initially welcoming attendees and introducing the format for the expanded 48-team tournament.
The FIFA chief then introduced a series of musical acts to the stage, while football legends in attendance were interviewed throughout the evening. The proceedings also featured the inaugural FIFA peace prize, which was presented to US president Donald Trump with an accompanying medal.
While the spectacle delighted some viewers, numerous fans expressed frustration at the pace of the draw. BBC‘s Jonathan Pearce was particularly vocal in his criticism of Infantino during the broadcast.
At one point, Pearce remarked: “The man knows no shame,” as the FIFA president hosted the early proceedings. It included a moment when Infantino posed for a selfie with the leaders of the USA, Mexico and Canada, who were present on stage to draw their respective nations from the pot.
The spectacle proved excruciating for some TV viewers, too, particularly during an awkward moment when the host attempted to generate atmosphere by urging the crowd to chant USA, Mexico, or Canada. The duration of proceedings also drew criticism, with Pearce quipping: “Hopefully the draw will be finished in time for the first match in June.”
Following one hour and 20 minutes of preamble, the actual draw commenced, as comic Kevin Hart introduced sporting legends including Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Shaquille O’Neal and Aaron Judge.
Eventually, the draw took place, with England placed in Group L, where they’ll compete in either Dallas or Toronto for their opening fixture. This positioning places them in Brazil’s section of the – proposed – knock-out stages, while topping that group would see them face a third-placed side in the round of 32.
Thomas Tuchel will be eager to maintain the momentum his squad demonstrated during qualification, where they secured eight consecutive victories whilst not conceding a single goal.
“I’m not sure if I know the starting XI, but I know players I’m certain I want to have with us in the US,” Tuchel told BBC Sport ahead of the draw.
“I know also that there’s 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 a picture, an opinion, and then pick them and stick with them because they did so well to earn my trust. I have a clear idea.”
With England’s quest to lift their first World Cup since 1966 within reach, Tuchel expressed his growing confidence in the team’s prospects: “We’ve got closer, we’ve got better. For my belief, I needed the camps in September, October, November, and the way the camps, the results and the group went together.
“Since then, our belief – mine and the group together – grew, and we will arrive to make a special thing happen. We cannot guarantee it, but we will arrive with the biggest goal.”