Former England striker Gary Lineker is set to conduct the draw for the World Cup groups in the Moscow Kremlin on 1st December (from 16:00 CET). Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya will be at his side. The duo will be supported by eight assistants, including Russian footballing legend Nikita Simonyan. The remaining seven assistants and presenters will be announced in the coming days.
“As a player, I was fortunate enough to take part in the World Cup finals on two occasions,” says Lineker, who won the Golden Shoe Award at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico as the top goalscorer. “It is quite special to be involved in yet another tournament — now on the stage, unveiling the results of the draw. I have been on the other side, waiting to find out my opponents, and I know how exciting this occasion is.” Deputy Secretary General of FIFA, Zvonimir Boban, says “It is an honour that Gary will conduct the Final Draw for the World Cup in Russia.”
Komandnaya is one of the best-known sports journalists in Russia. “The draw is an extraordinary time,” she says. “I'm so thrilled to have the chance to help conduct one of the greatest sports events. I want to show fans how beautiful my country is and how excited we are to host the World Cup. We are so passionate about what we do, and about football. Believe me, it will be a truly extraordinary event.”
Former England striker Gary Lineker is set to conduct the draw for the World Cup groups in the Moscow Kremlin on 1st December (from 16:00 CET). Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya will be at his side. The duo will be supported by eight assistants, including Russian footballing legend Nikita Simonyan. The remaining seven assistants and presenters will be announced in the coming days.
“As a player, I was fortunate enough to take part in the World Cup finals on two occasions,” says Lineker, who won the Golden Shoe Award at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico as the top goalscorer. “It is quite special to be involved in yet another tournament — now on the stage, unveiling the results of the draw. I have been on the other side, waiting to find out my opponents, and I know how exciting this occasion is.” Deputy Secretary General of FIFA, Zvonimir Boban, says “It is an honour that Gary will conduct the Final Draw for the World Cup in Russia.”
Komandnaya is one of the best-known sports journalists in Russia. “The draw is an extraordinary time,” she says. “I'm so thrilled to have the chance to help conduct one of the greatest sports events. I want to show fans how beautiful my country is and how excited we are to host the World Cup. We are so passionate about what we do, and about football. Believe me, it will be a truly extraordinary event.”
