The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final in New Jersey drew a significant gathering of celebrities, business leaders, and public figures, alongside a dramatic pre-match address that garnered mixed reactions. The match, held on Sunday, July 19, saw Spain defeat Argentina with a 1-0 score.
Among the notable personalities present was actor Tom Cruise, who delivered a speech to the crowd before the game. During his address, accompanied by dramatic music, Cruise stated, “Football is a language spoken without words. A force that unites people, that turns strangers into friends and reminds us of what we all have in common.” According to one report, Cruise believed his speech “would steal the show.” However, an insider noted that seeing people laugh instead of cheer was perceived as humiliating. Another source suggested that Cruise’s “ego has taken a hit” following the audience’s response, though he reportedly believes audiences “weren’t ready for it.” Cruise is known for being a perfectionist and controlling his public appearances, aiming to deliver a “cinematic moment only Tom Cruise could deliver” for the World Cup.
The final, played at MetLife Stadium, attracted a diverse array of attendees beyond just football fans. Billionaires, CEOs, founders, and various celebrities were present, reflecting a broader commercial theme of this year’s tournament. The event also featured a “red carpet” for arriving famous faces.
Prominent Figures in Attendance
The business world was well-represented at the final. Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Adidas, posted Instagram stories from the stadium, wearing a custom jersey that combined elements of both Spain’s and Argentina’s shirts. Adidas is a long-standing commercial partner of FIFA, supplying the official match ball for decades. Ed Stack, executive chairman of Dick’s Sporting Goods, was also seen in Gulden’s Instagram stories, alongside NBA star James Harden, NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes, French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, Argentine music producer Bizarrap, and Brazilian footballer Marcelo.
Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of Kraft Group and owner of the New England Patriots, appeared with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Gulden before the match. Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, shared a video from MetLife Stadium after Spain’s victory, congratulating the team on their performance and Argentina and its captain, Lionel Messi, on their run. YouTube entrepreneur MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, turned his attendance into content, surprising two fellow creators with VIP suite tickets just before kickoff.
Indian billionaire Lakshmi Mittal watched the final from FIFA’s VIP suite, joined by figures such as Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Gianni Infantino. Michael Rubin, founder and CEO of Fanatics, also attended, having come from Fanatics Fest, a sports memorabilia and collectibles convention that drew athletes, celebrities, and investors.
Celebrity Sightings and Royal Presence
The event was a magnet for celebrities from various fields. Tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz and actress Hoyeon were part of the opening ceremony, presenting the World Cup trophy in a Louis Vuitton trophy trunk. The Spanish Royal Family, including King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía, were present to support their national team. U.S. President Donald Trump was also in attendance, seated behind bullet-proof glass with Gianni Infantino, and later presented the trophy to Spain.
Musical artists and actors were also spotted. Beyoncé and Jay-Z, often referred to as “America’s Royal Family,” attended. Spanish actor Javier Bardem, who has been seen at several World Cup games, enjoyed Spain’s win. Musician and fashion designer Pharrell Williams was at the game, though a commentator mistakenly identified him as A$AP Rocky. The real A$AP Rocky was indeed present with global pop icon Rihanna. Other celebrity attendees included actor Matt Damon, former NBA star Pau Gasol, former boxer Mike Tyson, and NBA superstar Victor Wembanyama. Iconic soccer couple David and Victoria Beckham, tennis star Serena Williams, and former NFL quarterback Tom Brady were also among the spectators. Comedian Kevin Hart, businesswoman Martha Stewart, and the couple Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union rounded out the star-studded crowd. Additionally, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, as well as Dua Lipa and Callum Turner, were seen at the final. Notably absent from this final was Elon Musk, who had attended the 2022 World Cup final.
The presence of Elmo and Cookie Monster from Sesame Street also added a unique touch to the event, with Elmo even taking a photo with Tom Cruise at the game on July 19.
Source: yahoo.com