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The FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Was Star Studded On and Off The Pitch

By Amiel Dugenia - July 21, 2026

Celebrities, athletes, and more headline a star studded FIFA World Cup 2026 Final off the pitch.

The FIFA World Cup Final is always football’s biggest stage, but in 2026, the spectacle extended far beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.

While Argentina and Spain showcased two of the world’s most talented squads, featuring stars like Lionel Messi, Lamine Yamal, and Rodri, the crowd inside the stadium was just as impressive. From award-winning musicians and Hollywood A-listers to elite athletes and football legends, the final became a gathering of some of the biggest names across sports and entertainment.

Simply put, the stars showed up both on and off the pitch.

Stars at the Closing Ceremony and Halftime Show

Shakira
Shakira closed the Halftime Show with another iconic performance.

The 2026 final was advertised as the first edition with a halftime show. Before kickoff, FIFA also hosted a closing ceremony headlined by Post Malone. The aforementioned halftime show, however, was headlined by global superstars BTS, Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber, the performance blended football and pop culture on the sport’s grandest stage.

The surprises didn’t stop there. Brazilian football icons Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazario made special appearances during Madonna’s set, drawing one of the loudest reactions of the night. The celebration also featured Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt, bringing one of football’s most beloved television series into the festivities.

It was a performance that celebrated not just music, but football culture itself.

Creators and Other Personalities

IShowSpeed
IShowSpeed was one of the performers during the Closing Ceremony before kickoff.

There’s just no shortage of star power anywhere or any kind. As athletes and A-Lister celebrities headline the news, there were also internet personalities spread out at the event. IShowSpeed immediately comes to mind as he was present almost the whole tournament and he didn’t miss the biggest match.

One of the biggest stars in that circle who’s always viral, Druski was also seen at one of the stadium’s suites.

Hollywood’s Biggest Couples Were in Attendance

The FIFA World Cup Final also doubled as one of the year’s biggest celebrity gatherings. With elite talent on football’s side and big artists at the halftime show, it was one of the best places to have a date for these couples.

Among those spotted in the stands were longtime football fan Timothee Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, while NBA legend Dwyane Wade attended alongside actress Gabrielle Union. Actor Callum Turner watched the match with pop superstar Dua Lipa, and music power couple Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were also among the high-profile attendees. Their presence added another layer of star power to an already unforgettable evening.

A VIP Section Filled With Icons

Nike’s exclusive VIP suite looked more like an awards show than a football match. Big time artists Drake, 21 Savage, and Central Cee were among the artists in attendance, joined by NBA stars Devin Booker and Victor Wembanyama as they watched football’s biggest match unfold.

Tennis also had its moment in the spotlight, as multiple-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz helped present the FIFA World Cup trophy trunk alongside Squid Game star Hoyeon, blending sport, fashion, and entertainment before kickoff.

It was one of the year’s biggest celebrity gatherings, proving once again that football remains the world’s biggest stage.

Images from FIFA World Cup on Instagram.

Frequently Asked Questions

BTS, Shakira, Madonna, and Justin Bieber headlined the halftime show, marking the first time the World Cup Final featured a halftime performance, with Post Malone headlining a separate closing ceremony before kickoff.

Ronaldinho and Ronaldo Nazário made surprise appearances during Madonna’s halftime performance, drawing some of the loudest reactions of the night.

Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, Callum Turner and Dua Lipa, and Rihanna and A$AP Rocky were among the celebrity couples spotted at the final.

Devin Booker and Victor Wembanyama attended the final from Nike’s VIP suite, alongside artists Drake, 21 Savage, and Central Cee.

Tennis star Carlos Alcaraz helped present the FIFA World Cup trophy trunk alongside Squid Game actress Hoyeon before kickoff.

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Amiel Dugenia

Amiel Dugenia

WRITER / SOCIAL MEDIA ASSOCIATE

Amiel Dugenia is a writer and social media associate at The GAME. His work explores the intersection of sports, lifestyle, fashion, and pop culture, with a focus on football, basketball, and pro wrestling.

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