World Cup 2026 Draw Sparks Global Reactions at Watch Parties

Fans gathered in a chilly Philadelphia venue to watch the World Cup 2026 group-stage draw unfold across multiple screens, turning a winter evening into a global soccer fest. Across North America, enthusiasts followed the ceremony with hope, debate, and plenty of banter.

In Washington, a star-studded stage at the John F. Kennedy Center hosted the official draw, with leaders from the three co-host nations in attendance. U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum were among the notable guests.

Sports legends Wayne Gretzky and Tom Brady drew teams, adding a touch of Hollywood glow to the proceedings on Friday.

U.S. fans cheered when the draw placed the home side in a group with Australia and Paraguay, while Colombia supporters groaned after being paired with Portugal in Group K.

Atlantic City resident Jim House told INLIBER he believes the United States has a solid chance in this group, noting that other groups appear tougher. Philadelphia’s Chris Day, who has tickets to all six Philadelphia matches, echoed the sentiment, saying a knockout berth is a reasonable expectation for a host nation with home games.

Colombian fan Julio Mahecha conceded Portugal will be a tough test but argued that champions must prove themselves against top opposition. He added he would have preferred a draw that would push Colombia to test themselves against bigger teams.

World Cup 2026 draw in full

As the draw unfolded, fans pictured potential clashes and debated why some teams appeared in certain groups. The atmosphere was lively as supporters analyzed possibilities and shared early predictions.

Ecuadorian fan Wilson Velez expressed confidence in Group E, which also includes four-time champions Germany, African champions Ivory Coast, and newcomers Curacao. “We have quality players and a capable coach; it should be an exciting challenge,” he said.

Christine Titih, a Cameroon supporter, noted past World Cup upsets but said she would root for South Africa, who meet Mexico in the opening match at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on June 11. “I think we have a real chance,” she told INLIBER after the draw.

Beyond the co-hosts, South Africa face South Korea and the winner of a European qualifying playoff. Denmark, Ireland, North Macedonia or the Czech Republic could claim the final playoff spot in that group.

Irish fan Gerry Grace remained hopeful about beating Denmark in the playoff and earning a spot in North America. “The World Cup group looks easier than the qualifiers, and we could win our group, though there’s a real chance it won’t happen,” he said with cautious optimism.

Fans around the world shared the excitement as the draw drew near. In Toronto, cheers erupted at Cafe Diplomatico in Little Italy after Canada learned it could face Italy in Group B. “That would be incredible,” said Steve Torchia, who supports both nations and dreams of a Toronto showdown.

South Korean fan Lee Jung Gyue remained pragmatic: “If Korea’s chances fade, I’ll back England. I’m an England supporter.”

Singaporean Arsenal devotee Sean Chan admitted he might lean toward England as a fan, but noted players like Kane and Pickford could sway his pick toward France as well.

Additional reporting from Nadine Yousif in Toronto, Osmond Chia in Singapore and Lee Hyun Choi in Seoul.

Christine Titih, a Cameroon supporter, looked ahead to the tournament with optimism, even though Cameroon will not participate this time. She plans to follow South Africa’s group with interest as the tournament approaches.

Across the crowd, reactions ranged from confident optimism to measured realism, as fans considered travel, climate, and time zones across North America.

Additional reporting from Nadine Yousif in Toronto, Osmond Chia in Singapore and Lee Hyun Choi in Seoul.