New York New Jersey Stadium hosts celebrity-filled 2026 World Cup final

New York New Jersey Stadium hosts celebrity-filled 2026 World Cup final

By Bilal Ahmed

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held at New York New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium), drew a significant number of celebrities from various fields. The match, which saw Spain defeat Argentina on July 19, was attended by Hollywood stars, music icons, and athletes, creating a star-studded event alongside the on-field action.

Among the notable attendees were Matt Damon and Luciana Damon, with Luciana showing support for her home country, Argentina, by wearing an Albiceleste jersey. Music power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z were also present, enjoying the match. Other celebrities spotted included Tom Cruise, who also had a special role in the closing ceremony, and Sofía Vergara, who attended with her son and friends.

Celebrity Appearances and Performances

The event featured a range of personalities, from actors to sports legends. David and Victoria Beckham were seen with Martha Stewart in one of the stadium boxes. Spanish actor Javier Bardem openly supported Spain, while Richard and Alejandra Gere also showed their allegiance to Spain, Alejandra’s homeland. Legendary musician Mick Jagger walked the golden carpet before the match.

Canadian model Winnie Harlow was also in attendance, maintaining a neutral stance in an all-white outfit. The couple Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet were caught on camera during the broadcast, with Chalamet having the distinct role of bringing out the game ball. Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz celebrated Spain’s victory and had the honour of opening the briefcase containing the World Cup trophy before its presentation. He was joined by South Korean actress and model Jung Ho-yeon, as well as football legends Andrés Iniesta and Mario Kempes.

The closing ceremony and halftime show added another layer of entertainment to the final. Italian singer Laura Pausini performed at the closing ceremony, having walked the golden carpet earlier. The World Cup final also featured a halftime show for the first time in its history, curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. Headliners for this segment included Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and BTS, showcasing a global range of music.

These artists were reportedly joined by Coldplay, Nigerian singer Burna Boy, Los Angeles Philharmonic music director Gustavo Dudamel, and New York City’s PS22 Chorus, along with characters from Sesame Street and The Muppets. Shakira also performed barefoot and later presented the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match trophy to Ferran Torres of Spain. Jennifer Hudson performed the U.S. national anthem, and Argentinian singer-songwriter Maria Becerra performed the Argentine national anthem before the match.

Sports Figures and Other Dignitaries

Beyond the entertainment world, several sports figures were present. Legendary Spanish player Carles Puyol attended with his wife, Vanesa Lorenzo, to support Spain. Mexican footballer Javier Hernández “Chicharito”, now a commentator, shared a selfie from the stadium. Football great Zinedine Zidane was also on hand, with reports indicating he is set to become the new head coach of the French national team once Didier Deschamps’ tenure concludes.

Skiing legend Lindsey Vonn was a firm supporter of Spain. NFL star Tom Brady, who had participated in a World Cup event days earlier, was also present for the final game. The event also saw the presence of royal figures, including King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía, who joined in celebrating Spain’s victory on July 19.

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Source: hola.com