The United States will once again host a World Cup draw on December 5, when the groups for the 2026 World Cup are revealed in Washington, D.C. The occasion brings back memories of the only previous time the country staged such an event: the unforgettable draw for USA 1994, held on December 19, 1993, at the iconic Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

That day, FIFA delivered one of the most spectacular and flamboyant World Cup draws ever produced, blending football, pop culture, and Hollywood glamour in a way still remembered across the sport.

A Star-Studded, Unprecedented Show

The event was hosted by two American entertainment icons: Dick Clark and Academy Award winner Faye Dunaway. They were joined on stage by major figures such as James Brown, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Carol Alt, Beau Bridges, and football legends including Eusébio, Bobby Charlton, Michel Platini, Roger Milla, and Marco van Basten.

FIFA Secretary General Joseph Blatter led the protocol alongside top football personalities. One of the most memorable moments featured actor Robin Williams, who shared the stage with Evander Holyfield and Franz Beckenbauer to draw the balls. Williams sparked laughter by joking with Blatter, playing on the double meaning of “bladder,” and comparing the event to “the biggest game of keno in the world.” His irreverent tone became a defining highlight of the ceremony.

To underline transparency, Williams even wore a white glove while handling the draw balls, a gesture that delighted the audience and became one of the draw’s lasting images.

Pelé’s Absence and a Controversy That Echoed

Despite the star power, one absence stood out: Pelé. His no-show was not due to scheduling issues, but to a dispute with the Brazilian Football Confederation over World Cup broadcast rights in Brazil. O Rei publicly denounced corruption attempts and pointed directly at Ricardo Teixeira, then CBF president and son-in-law of João Havelange.

His absence cast a shadow over the event and exposed long-standing political tensions within Brazilian football.

A Legacy Returning to the Spotlight

The 1994 draw remains one of the most spectacular in the tournament’s history. Since then, the ceremony has traveled through major cities around the world, but the United States hasn’t hosted one again — until now. The 2026 edition will mark just the second time the country holds an event of this scale.

With nearly 31 years between the two draws, excitement grows as fans wonder what the new ceremony will look like, while the memory of 1994 lives on as a blend of football, celebrities, and showmanship like no other.