The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was always going to be the biggest football match of the year. What nobody anticipated was the scale of celebrity it would attract. From Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Tom Cruise and President Donald Trump, MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey became one of the most glamorous arenas in recent sporting history. Spain took home the trophy, winning 1-0 in extra time, but the spectacle off the pitch nearly matched what happened on it.
Before a ball was kicked, Robbie Williams performed the official FIFA tournament anthem Desire alongside Laura Pausini and Nicole Scherzinger. Jennifer Hudson delivered the United States national anthem, Post Malone and Swae Lee performed, and Tom Cruise addressed the crowd to close the ceremony. IShowSpeed also made a widely photographed appearance during the festivities.
The 2026 edition made FIFA history with the first-ever halftime show at a men’s World Cup final. Reportedly curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, the lineup included Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, BTS, and Burna Boy.
The stands delivered a guest list no publicist could have assembled. Jay-Z and Beyoncé were spotted together, as were Rihanna and A$AP Rocky. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were also captured together. David Beckham attended with Victoria, sons Romeo and Cruz, and their partners.
Matt Damon, Richard Gere, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, Jessica Alba, Javier Bardem, Adrien Brody, Anya Taylor-Joy, Jon Hamm, Jason Sudeikis, and Will Ferrell were all spotted at the FIFA World Cup final.
Dua Lipa, Pharrell Williams, Mick Jagger, Tate McRae, Drake, Gayle King, Trevor Noah, MrBeast, Winnie Harlow, and Peso Pluma were among those who made the trip to New Jersey.
Serena Williams, Odell Beckham Jr., Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, and Spain legends Sergio Ramos and Fernando Llorente were all spotted in the stands at MetLife Stadium. Brazilian legends Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário also made an appearance, joining Madonna on the field during her halftime show performance.
President Donald Trump attended with First Lady Melania Trump and presented the trophy to the winners. King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez were also in attendance.
Few events in 2026 matched the World Cup final for sheer star power. A fiercely contested match combined with a historic halftime show ensured the FIFA World Cup delivered something well beyond 90 minutes of football.
(With inputs from yMedia)