Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum were on hand to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, and the comedian was caught in an awkward moment with Gianni Infantino

Kevin Hart found himself in an awkward situation when Gianni Infantino snubbed his handshake to embrace Heidi Klum at the 2026 World Cup draw. As the FIFA president approached the two on stage, Hart extended his hand to greet Infantino.

However, he was gestured away in a moment of comedy, as the Swiss chief instead opted to greet Klum first. Infantino was also heard saying “ladies first,” before finally greeting Hart.

The comedian then reacted by saying: “Get out of here,” before hugging Infantino and kickstarting his presenting duties. It wasn’t the only frosty interaction that Hart was a part of on the night, however.

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When he and Klum stepped up to present the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw, Hart found himself in an awkward situation as he pleaded with the audience for a more enthusiastic reception. The duo appeared on stage, and while Klum acknowledged the crowd awaiting the draw, Hart felt compelled to say: “You guys can do better than that! Come on!”

“Make some noise in the air one time,” he pressed on, clapping his hands to rally the audience. Yet despite his attempts, football enthusiasts remained decidedly underwhelmed by Hart’s appearance, reports the Irish Star.

One viewer posted on X, stating, “Kevin Hart. settle down. I know a billion ppl are watching but chill,” while another added: “FIFA World Cup Draw being presented by Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum…Games gone.”

It comes amid the funnyman’s debut hosting the World Cup draw. Fox selected the Hollywood personality for the role as the United States gears up to stage the tournament next year.

Meanwhile, German supermodel and TV host Klum, now fronting the draw for her second occasion, characterised the role as a privilege and a career milestone. Prior to the event, Klum had expressed it was an “honour” to be presenting the men’s FIFA World Cup draw again as she readied herself to lead the ceremony in Washington, DC.

Klum is co-presenting this year’s programme alongside Hart and actor Danny Ramirez. With proceedings now underway, the trio are steering viewers and those present through the running order as team names are revealed and the 48-side tournament’s group-stage format begins to emerge.

The draw is being carried out by former footballer Rio Ferdinand, who has been paired with presenter Samantha Johnson. Throughout the ceremony, they’re being assisted by four draw aides, all legendary names from North American professional sport, including seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, four-time Stanley Cup champion Wayne Gretzky, three-time MLB MVP Aaron Judge, and four-time NBA title holder Shaquille O’Neal.

Klum’s initial hosting stint at the draw took place in Leipzig back in December 2005 before the 2006 competition in Germany. She made reference to that previous appearance this week, sharing on social media, “Hosting the World Cup Draw was a highlight I’ll never forget. And now, 20 years later, I get to do it all over again in Washington. What an honour!”

The draw is taking place in Washington at the Kennedy Centre and is being shown across several platforms.

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