Manning: The energy in New York New Jersey will be amazing
Former NFL quarterback and two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning speaks to FIFA about World Cup excitement.
Two-time Super Bowl winner Eli Manning served as the FIFA World Cup Final Draw red carpet host
The former New York Giants quarterback played his home games at New York New Jersey Stadium
He spoke to FIFA about his excitement for next year’s global showpiece in North America
When it comes to big events, Eli Manning always seems to steal the show, and the red carpet for the Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026™ was no exception. The former NFL quarterback and two-time Super Bowl winner welcomed FIFA Legends and current coaches to the John F. Kennedy Center in Washington DC as the red carpet host.
Amid the electricity of the day, Manning took time to speak with FIFA about the excitement of next year’s global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
“This is amazing. It’s my first time at a draw and I’ve never been to a World Cup match,” said Manning. “I’m looking forward to it coming to the US and having MetLife [Stadium] hosting some games, hosting the championship in my home of New Jersey. The global impact this (draw) has, how many people are watching, and the excitement of who you’re going to get matched up with is truly amazing.”
While American football and quarterback play runs deep with the Mannings, with father Archie a former NFL player himself, as was brother Peyton, and nephew Arch currently a star quarterback at the University of Texas, soccer has also carved its way into the family.
“My kids are getting into soccer,” said Manning. “My little son has his Messi jersey and is running around and playing against a bunch of schools. We’ve gotten involved with Gotham FC of the NWSL and they won the championship and we get to go to the games, so we’re excited to attend some matches this summer.”
As a player, Manning spent many a Sunday afternoon flinging touchdown passes and leading the New York Giants to victory in front of the home fans at New York New Jersey Stadium. A man who twice stood at the summit of his sport, he has a profound appreciation for the fact that next year’s World Cup decider will take place at the same venue.
“It is truly special. I’m so excited to see the energy in that stadium,” said Manning. “The soccer fandom is at a whole new level, with the chants and the singing and the cheers. To see some of the matches during the course of it and have the final there will be great for New York and New Jersey and will be a great showcase for the world."