COMMENTATOR Jonathan Pearce aimed a cheeky dig at Rio Ferdinand’s acting after the Manchester United legend was involved in a skit ahead of the World Cup draw.
Ferdinand was one of the big name stars appearing in Washington hired by FIFA to preside over the ceremony on Friday night.
He was chosen to take charge of picking out the balls along with US footballer Samantha Johnson.
The former centre-back oversaw the opening draw that saw hosts Mexico, Canada and the United States picked out of the hat and placed in groups A, B and D respectively.
But then Ferdinand appeared in a skit to promote the draw and next year’s World Cup.
Pearce, who was taking fans through the ceremony in the American capital, teased the former England international after seeing the clip.
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Fans blast ‘horrific and cringe’ World Cup 2026 draw and fume ‘get on with it’
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He said sarcastically: “It gets better and better.”
And fans appeared to agree with him after being unimpressed by Ferdinand’s acting ability.
One said on X: “When you think the “draw” can’t get any worse and rio ferdinand starts acting.”
A second added: “Whoever sat in a boardroom and pitched the idea of a skit with Infantino and Rio Ferdinand needs to be banned from any future participation in football events.”
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And a third said: “Whoever Rio Ferdinand’s agent is deserves a raise [because] how the hell did he get this gig.”
Another post read: “Rio Ferdinand and Infantino doing some hideous acting. Get on with it!”
The lengthy draw saw England handed a favourable draw alongside Croatia, Panama and Ghana.
However, Thomas Tuchel’s men face a tough path to the final, with Brazil and Argentina standing in their way.
Ferdinand was one of many famous faces invited to the ceremony in Washington, with US President Donald Trump and opera singer Andrea Bocelli kicking off the proceedings.
Actor Kevin Hart and model Heidi Klum then took over the hosting responsibilities alongside FIFA chief Gianni Infantino.
Fans were also treated to a duet performance from singers Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams, who sung their FIFA World Cup anthem ‘Desire’.
In terms of former players, Ferdinand was joined by a host of legendary players who have starred at this tournament.
Brazilian legends Cafu, Ronaldo and Kaka were among those to head to Washington DC, while former Italian World Cup winners Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Materrazi were in attendance as well.
FormerManchester Unitedstriker Radamel Falcao was seen on the red carpet with his wife, singer Lorelei Taron.