Forget the big names on the field, the FIFA World Cup final for 2026 was one of the biggest star-studded events we’ve seen this year – and that’s before the half-time show even kicked off.
Tom Cruise, Robbie Williams, Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Madonna and more stars hit the field for various performances, but there were just as many famous faces in the crowd.
Tom Cruise speaks before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina Getty Images
Many fans were confused as to why action star Cruise was there pre-game, as he delivered a monologue that was drowned out by the crowd.
“30 days ago, 40 nations began a journey across oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together, they showed why this game belongs to the world,” he began.
“Football is a language spoken without words. A force that unites people. That turns strangers into friends. And reminds us what we all have in common.
“These stories belong to each and every one of us.
“Let us celebrate each other! This is football. This is greatness.”
It was unexpected for sure, but the USA really pulled out all the stops to make it one star-studded event.
Blake Lively, who has been relatively quiet since she was a notable no-show at former bestie Taylor Swift’s wedding earlier this month, snapped a selfie from the stands.
The actress, whose bitter lawsuit against Justin Baldoni lawsuit just came to an end, posed alongside friends before kickoff and posted the snap on social media.
Blake Lively made an unexpected appearance at the game and snapped a selfie before kickoff. Instagram/@blakelively
US President Donald Trump arrived at the big game via helicopter; no surprise he was there for it.
As the screens around the stadium flashed his face to the crowd, there was a scattered “boo” but nothing too hostile.
President Donald Trump spoke with FIFA President Gianni Infantino before kickoff. AP Photo/Adam Hunger
Robbie Williams also made his way onto the field early for a pre-show performance.
He was joined by Nicole Scherzinger and Italian Singer Laura Pausini, with the trio all dressed in blue for the Closing Ceremony.
Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini performed together. Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images
Post Malone donned a cheeky shirt for the Opening Ceremony, “I just hope both teams have fun”. Getty Images
There was also a performance by hitmaker Post Malone, who belted out three of his big hits before the match kicked off.
As the final kicked off between Argentina and Spain a quick scan of the stands proved it was the place to be.
Matt Damon and wife Lucia, Mick Jagger, Bruno Mars and even Aussie Lauren Phillips were there to watch on.
Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were there for all the action. The couple were spotted chatting – and kissing – as they waited for the game to start.
Before he headed up to the stands with girlfriend Kylie Jenner, Timothee Chalamet places the game ball on the stand before kickoff. AP Photo/Abbie Parr
Sadly they weren’t there to cheer on England, but David Beckham and Victoria Beckham were still there to watch the big game. Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images
Football icon David Beckham was there with wife Victoria Beckham. The couple were joined by their sons Cruz Beckham and Romeo Beckham, who bought their partners Jackie Apostel and Kim Turnball along too.
NFL great Tom Brady was also there to watch on as the final match kicked off.
And while many were there to see who would take the coveted trophy for 2026, just as many were there for the absolutely stacked halftime show.
Madonna riding into the stadium in style, alongside Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. SBS
Madonna kicked the performance off and strutted out to the iconic bars “Music makes the people come together”.
K-pop stars BTS followed with their banger, Dynamite, which got the crowd off its feet.
There was even an appearance from The Muppets, but the crowd went wild when none other than Ted Lasso (that’s Jason Sudeikis, in character as Ted Lasso), gave a characteristically inspiring speech to introduce Justin Bieber.
Ted Lasso himself, Jason Sudeikis, with Justin Bieber during the World Cup halftime show. SBS
Bieber’s anticipated performance for the halftime show came just months after his big return to the stage at Coachella.
He delighted fans across the globe – who all tuned in for the big match (and show) – with an acoustic version of Everything Hallelujah.
Shakira Burna Boy and a very impressive group of dancing children brought the tempo back up with this year’s World Cup song Dai Dai.
There she is! Shakira lifts the energy with the tournament’s theme song. Getty Images
The high-energy show wrapped with Coldplay’s Chris Martin and a group of children, although you could barely see him through all the kids.
From some of the biggest names in sport to some of the world’s most well known stars, it really was the ticket to get your hands on.