Today in Washington, the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place. The event traditionally attracts significant attention from football fans and often becomes a major spectacle in its own right.
Idman.Biz presents the top 10 most unusual and amusing World Cup draws in history:
1. 1930, Montevideo: Draw held “upon arrival”
The first World Cup draw was chaotic. Only 13 teams participated, as many withdrew, changed plans, or were delayed by long sea voyages. FIFA assigned teams manually on-site, without drums or stage spectacle.
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2. 1938, Paris: Draw conducted by a six-year-old
The six-year-old grandson of FIFA President Jules Rimet drew the teams’ names. Today, such a practice would be unimaginable, though at the time it was seen as a “cute gesture.”
3. 1950, Rio de Janeiro: Draw done, tournament fell apart
Several teams withdrew after the draw—Turkey, India, and Scotland—disrupting the tournament’s structure and leaving some groups underpopulated.
4. 1954, Switzerland: Draw before qualification finished
Teams were placed in pots before qualification ended, requiring adjustments after unexpected results, including Spain’s elimination.
5. 1974, Frankfurt: Boy drew West Germany and East Germany together
An 11-year-old boy from a choir drew the teams, resulting in both German teams, politically divided by the Berlin Wall, ending up in the same group.
6. 1982, Madrid: Technical failures and forgotten regulations
A broken drum, mismanaged balls, and forgotten rules led to repeated draws and widespread confusion, making it one of the most technically failed draws ever.
7. 1990, Rome: Glamour era begins with Sophia Loren and Pavarotti
The draw became a show featuring Sophia Loren and Luciano Pavarotti, with the ceremony resembling a film premiere more than a sports event.
8. 1994, Las Vegas: Robin Williams steals the show and Pele controversy
Actor Robin Williams turned the draw into a stand-up act, joking about officials and using medical gloves as a prop. FIFA head João Havelange tried to block Pele’s name from being announced due to personal conflict.
9. 2014, Costa do Sauípe: Iranian TV censors co-host
Iranian state TV cut the co-host Fernanda Lima from the broadcast for her outfit, leading to viewer confusion and international criticism.
10. 2026, Washington: Political and visa controversies before the draw
Iran threatened to boycott the ceremony if the U.S. did not issue visas for its delegation, with remote participation even considered.
Teymur Tushiyev
