Rio Ferdinand Goes Viral For Awkward Moment Involving World Cup Draw Reporter

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has gone viral for an awkward moment during Friday evening’s 2026 World Cup draw. The 47-year-old was handed the unenviable task of hosting the event and, for the most part, did a fine job, even as the team he was given struggled to understand the rules of an overly complicated group-stage draw.

The retired defender had clearly done his research, offering sound insights about each nation throughout the draw while helping viewers make sense of a bewildering new format. But in the end, as England drew Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in Group L, such a convoluted process was always bound to cause Ferdinand to slip up somewhere.

Other highlights from the draw included Scotland being placed in Group C alongside Haiti, Morocco, and Brazil, while Group I could prove to be a bit of a banana skin for Spain, who must face Senegal and Norway. However, one part of the draw that definitely wasn’t a highlight was Ferdinand’s failed attempt at humour.

Rio Ferdinand’s Failed Attempt at Humour During World Cup Draw

It should be pointed out that it wasn’t just Ferdinand who tried to ease the nerves around the draw. The incident began when actor and designated reporter for the night, Danny Ramirez, asked the ex-defender whether he had ever scored against legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas. During the awkward, pre-rehearsed moment, Ferdinand then replied (watch below):

In a room filled with the biggest names football has to offer – Gianni Infantino, Didier Deschamps, Thomas Tuchel, among many other FA members and top managers – you could hear a penny drop at the John F Kennedy Center in Washington DC, where US president Donald Trump was also in attendance.

“Might be the most awkward thing I’ve seen in my life,” one X user replied, “Having the biggest ego in an event with Trump and FIFA leaders is quite something.” Elsewhere, a second remarked: “Is he trying to be funny?”

Ferdinand’s Yaya Toure Skit Also Flopped

Unfortunately for those just hoping to tune in and take a look at some of the mouthwatering fixtures they can expect to watch next summer, the skits didn’t end with the Casillas one. There was another awkward moment with former Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure.

Whilst interviewing him, Ramirez said: “I know you and Rio, you used to play for rival clubs. Are you guys friends?” to which Toure replied: “Yeah, yeah, yeah.” Ferdinand seemed a little less pleased with the line of questioning, as he responded: “Haha, what you trying to do here Danny? I know you’re trying to get in the middle here, what are you doing?”

The actor added: “I’m trying to start it up,” before Ferdinand continued: “But I haven’t really forgiven Yaya for that 2012 title race where they took it off us but it’s fine… I’m over it man, come on, let me live man.”

Yet again, the pre-rehearsed moment fell flat, and it probably marked the end of Ferdinand’s dreams of ever making it into showbiz or acting. For Ramirez, he will be hoping his employers weren’t watching, because Friday night’s performance was hardly the kind that landed him roles in the cast of Top Gun and Captain America.