Viewers tuning into the 2026 World Cup draw were left frustrated by the extensive delays before the actual draw commenced. The ceremony – which was held in Washington DC – attracted global attention as nations embarked on their quest for football’s ultimate prize.

England, along with reigning champions Argentina, are among the leading contenders for next summer’s competition. Yet fans were made to wait considerably before learning their country’s fixtures.

Hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, comedian Kevin Hart and actor Danny Ramirez, the extravagant event began with a superb performance from Andrea Bocelli, followed by appearances from Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.

It wasn’t long, though, before viewers worldwide took to social media to express their frustration over the protracted wait for the draw to begin. One viewer posted on X: “Just like CL group stage draw, looks like the FIFA World Cup draw will take 10 years. Not sure which is worse, but looking like World Cup draw with all this music and awards etc.”

Another commented: “Why does the World Cup draw need all this cringe?” A third remarked: “Why is the World Cup draw taking two hours?” That was accompanied by a sleeping emoji.

Following FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s address to the audience, where he predicted six billion viewers would watch the World Cup from home, additional supporters voiced their opinions online. One disgruntled viewer expressed: “Okay, so far this World Cup draw is horrific and cringe. Just do the draw and show us the groups.” Another echoed the sentiment with: “Bro, they’re dragging this World Cup draw.”

A third frustrated fan chimed in: “The World Cup live draw is just miserable television. Just draw the groups, damn it!!!” Meanwhile, some viewers were less than impressed with the musical performance by Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger, who sang a new football anthem entitled ‘Desire’.

One viewer questioned: “Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger? Is this the World Cup Draw or the X Factor Final?” Another complained: “Just tuned in to watch the #WorldCup draw and Robbie Williams is singing… Can’t we just get on with it?!”

A third viewer remarked: “Not half dragging this World Cup draw out and it’s Robbie Williams now,” while a fourth added: “Didn’t have Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger singing a World Cup song together, but here we are.”