Heidi Klum to Host World Cup draw, Marking Return to the Event After Two Decades
WASHINGTON D.C. – Supermodel Heidi Klum will host the draw for the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup, set to be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Klum, who was involved in a similar event in her home country twenty years ago, expressed her excitement, stating: “Having been involved in this show twenty years ago in my home country, it is something very special to now host the draw again. The World Cup unites the world like nothing else,and it is indeed an unbelievable honor to be part of this magic again – this time on an even bigger stage with three host countries and 48 teams.”
The draw takes place as the German national team, led by coach Julian Nagelsmann, prepares for the tournament. Nagelsmann is currently in Washington D.C. with German Football Association (DFB) president Bernd Neuendorf and sports director Rudi Völler. “The World Cup has seemed a little further away so far – and not just geographically. With the draw, when we certainly know our opponents and venues, it is indeed noticeably closer,” Nagelsmann said prior to the event at the john F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Germany is ranked ninth in the world and will benefit from being placed in Pot 1, shielding them from facing the top-ranked teams – Spain, Argentina, France, England, Brazil, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, the USA, Mexico, and Canada - during the group stage. Though, potential challenges await in subsequent pots, including robust teams like Colombia and Uruguay (Pot 2), Erling Haaland’s Norway (Pot 3), and perhaps Italy (Pot 4), depending on playoff qualification.
FIFA will also announce the venues for all 72 group games on Saturday at 6 p.m. Nagelsmann will remain in the U.S. to scout potential team headquarters. He acknowledged the logistical challenges for both the team and its fans, expressing recognition for their planned support.
Germany will have a key dress rehearsal against the USA on June 6th at Soldier Field in Chicago, following a May 31st test match against Finland in Mainz. The team will travel to Chicago to acclimatize.
