With a number of NBA stars being avid football fans, it wasn’t surprising to see these basketball stars throughout the FIFA World Cup stateside.
There’s something special about the FIFA World Cup 2026. Maybe it’s the expanded 48-team field, or the media market from holding it in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Either way, it’s been nothing short of memorable for football’s biggest stage.
And as expected, the biggest stars off the pitch have been keeping tabs, including those in the NBA. Here are five basketball stars you may have spotted throughout this year’s World Cup.
Anthony Edwards
Ant-Man was a special guest during Argentina and Egypt’s Round of 16 clash in his native Atlanta. Edwards presented the match ball at the Atlanta Stadium, where la Albiceleste turned the tables against Mo Salah and the Pharaohs to advance to the quarterfinals.
Jimmy Butler
Jimmy Butler’s love for football is well-documented, with his current jersey number 10 partly inspired by Neymar Jr. and Paul Pogba. Given this, it wasn’t surprising to see him at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Butler was on hand to support Colombia for two matches, first in their group stage closer against Portugal at Hard Rock Stadium, before travelling to Vancouver for Los Cafeteros’ Round of 16 game against Switzerland. Butler also linked up with select national team members, including veteran midfielder James Rodriguez, during their World Cup preparations stateside.
Apart from Colombia, Butler attended Brazil’s Round of 32 match against Japan, where he and his daughter had interactions with Neymar, Vini Jr., and Seleção legend Ronaldinho.
Manu Ginobili
San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili has been spotted throughout the World Cup watching his native Argentina. Like Butler, Ginobili is a well-known football fan, and shares a deep mutual respect with football icon Lionel Messi.
OG Anunoby
Arsenal fan OG Anunoby is sure enjoying his offseason after winning an NBA championship with the New York Knicks. Part of OG’s vacation has been the FIFA World Cup, where he and teammates Deuce McBride and Mikal Bridges were present for France’s Group I opener at the MetLife Stadium. As expected, the hometown heroes were given a standing ovation.
Later on, Anunoby presented Man of the Match honors to Kylian Mbappe during Les Bleus’ 3-0 rout of Sweden in the Round of 32. There, Mbappe scored a brace as France booked their ticket to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Last but not least is Giannis Antetokounmpo, who witnessed Argentina book a World Cup Final ticket at the expense of England. Giannis was with his wife Mariya at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where the Greek Freak even interacted with celebrities like Mick Jagger throughout the match. Prior to the Engand-Argentina clash, Giannis was reportedly spotted at an Atlanta cafe during Spain and France’s semifinals matchup.
Outside the World Cup, Giannis is minority owner of the Chelsea FC women’s team, and has shown off his football skills during recreational matches.
Banner images from Jimmy Butler on Instagram.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anthony Edwards, Jimmy Butler, Manu Ginóbili, OG Anunoby, and Giannis Antetokounmpo were among the NBA stars spotted attending FIFA World Cup 2026 matches across the United States.
Anthony Edwards presented the match ball during Argentina’s Round of 16 win over Egypt in his native Atlanta, a game that sent Argentina through to the quarterfinals.
Jimmy Butler attended multiple matches to support Colombia and Brazil, and even linked up with players like James Rodríguez, Neymar, and Ronaldinho during the tournament, reflecting his well-documented love for football.
OG Anunoby, an Arsenal fan, attended France’s group stage opener with Knicks teammates Deuce McBride and Mikal Bridges, and later presented Man of the Match honors to Kylian Mbappé after his brace against Sweden.
Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo watched Argentina defeat England to reach the World Cup Final at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and was also reportedly spotted at the Spain-France semifinal.
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