Brandi Chastain, Chris Wondolowski among those on hand in SF to take in 2026 World Cup draw
San Francisco was buzzing with excitement as some of the biggest names in soccer gathered to witness the highly anticipated 2026 World Cup draw. Among the star-studded crowd were two American soccer legends, Brandi Chastain and Chris Wondolowski.
The event, held at the iconic Fairmont Hotel, was a celebration of the upcoming 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It was a historic moment for North America as this will be the first time that three countries will come together to host the world’s biggest sporting event.
Brandi Chastain, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion, was thrilled to be a part of the event. “It’s an honor to be here and witness this historic moment for soccer in North America,” she said. “I have no doubt that this will be an incredible World Cup, and I can’t wait to see the impact it will have on the sport in our region.”
Chastain, who famously scored the winning penalty kick in the 1999 Women’s World Cup final, has been a vocal advocate for women’s soccer and has been actively involved in promoting the sport at all levels. Her presence at the draw was a testament to her passion for the game and her unwavering support for the 2026 World Cup.
Joining Chastain was another American soccer star, Chris Wondolowski. The San Jose Earthquakes forward is one of the most prolific goal scorers in Major League Soccer history and has represented the United States at the international level. Wondolowski, who has scored over 150 goals in his MLS career, was excited to see the draw unfold.
“It’s a dream come true to have the World Cup in our backyard,” Wondolowski said. “I have no doubt that this will be a memorable tournament, and I’m looking forward to seeing some of the best players in the world compete on our home soil.”
The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest in history, with 48 teams competing for the coveted trophy. The tournament will also mark the return of the World Cup to the United States for the first time since 1994, when Brazil lifted the trophy at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles.
The draw itself was a star-studded affair, with some of the biggest names in soccer in attendance. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, US Soccer President Carlos Cordeiro, and Mexican Football Federation President Yon de Luisa were among the dignitaries present at the event.
The draw determined the groups for the preliminary round of the World Cup, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The United States, Canada, and Mexico were automatically placed in Group A as the host nations, and the remaining 45 teams were drawn into the remaining groups.
The draw also provided a glimpse into the potential matchups for the tournament, with some exciting possibilities emerging. Fans were already buzzing about the possibility of a USA-Mexico clash in the group stage, which would undoubtedly be a highly anticipated match.
The 2026 World Cup is expected to have a significant impact on soccer in North America, with the potential to attract new fans and inspire the next generation of players. The tournament will also bring economic benefits to the host countries, with an estimated $14 billion in revenue and over 200,000 jobs created.
As the draw came to a close, the excitement and anticipation for the 2026 World Cup only grew stronger. With the support of soccer legends like Brandi Chastain and Chris Wondolowski, and the enthusiasm of fans across North America, there is no doubt that this will be a World Cup to remember.
