A record 300 million viewers worldwide are expected to follow the final group draw for the 2006 World Cup, according to the German organizing committee (OK).

The draw allots the 32 finalists for next summer’s World Cup, due to be held between June 9 and July 9, into eight groups.

The 2006 World Cup organizers have confirmed that a record 136 nations had signed up to broadcast the event live.

"We're expecting new record viewing figures for a FIFA World Cup Final Draw," said OK vice-president Wolfgang Niersbach. "The finals draw can almost be compared with a World Cup game. We have a huge challenge in front of us," he admitted.

German celebrities Heidi Klum and Reinhold Beckmann will present the Final Draw in both the English and German German languages.

Next year’s World Cup finals draw is due to be made in the East German city of Leipzig on December 9.