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2026 FIFA World Cup Final: The 2026 FIFA World Cup has shattered viewership records across the United States and internationally.
The tournament's appeal came from a rare combination of factors.
Soccer legends Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar were possibly playing in their last World Cup.
Rising stars Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal added fresh excitement. The North American host setting also boosted global interest.
Hollywood found its way into the tournament's biggest moment. Tom Cruise has been heavily promoting his upcoming film "Digger," an awards-season contender set for a fall release.
The movie ran multiple promotional spots during World Cup broadcasts. Cruise then made a personal appearance at the championship match.
The final between Spain and defending champion Argentina took place Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The venue was temporarily renamed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament.
Before kickoff, Cruise met with "Sesame Street" characters Elmo and Cookie Monster. The action star then delivered an opening speech for the final.
He told the crowd the tournament had united the world and called the moment a celebration of unity and greatness.
A-List Crowd Fills the Stands
The final attracted a wide range of celebrities. President Donald Trump attended and was met with boos from the crowd.
Other notable guests included Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, and Timothée Chalamet with girlfriend Kylie Jenner.
Additional attendees included Serena Williams, Mick Jagger and Dua Lipa. The Muppets, Will Ferrell, Tom Brady and Kevin Hart also made appearances.
NBA star Victor Wembanyama and musician Post Malone were spotted in the stands as well.
Pharrell Williams attended the match, though broadcast announcers mistakenly identified him as A$AP Rocky.
Actress Julia Garner and television host Trevor Noah were also present.
Anya Taylor-Joy wore an Argentina jersey, reflecting her Argentine heritage. Two-time Oscar winner Adrien Brody rounded out the celebrity guest list.
Halftime Show Features Global Lineup
The World Cup's first official halftime show was curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.
The performance featured BTS, Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira.
The lineup reflected both the tournament's American host setting and its international audience.
With the match scoreless at halftime, the musical lineup gave fans in the stadium and watching on television a needed energy boost.
Actor Jason Sudeikis also made a surprise appearance. He came out in character as Ted Lasso to introduce Bieber, encouraging him to "make us proud" while standing in front of a sign reading "BELIEBE."
The star power on display made the 2026 World Cup final one of the most talked-about sporting events in recent memory.
Observers compared its celebrity turnout to Game 4 of the NBA Finals, drawing global icons to a stadium in New Jersey.
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