The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is shaping up to be much more than just a football match. As Argentina and Spain prepare to battle for the biggest prize in the sport, FIFA has also lined up a star-studded closing ceremony, a first-ever halftime show, and a guest list packed with celebrities from the worlds of music, film, sports, and politics. From Hollywood icons to global music stars and internet personalities, the final is expected to attract some of the biggest names on the planet. So, who can fans expect to see at New York New Jersey Stadium? Here’s everything you need to know about the celebrity lineup for football’s biggest night.

Which Hollywood Celebrities Are Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

Tom Cruise is among the biggest names confirmed to be part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, with FIFA announcing that the Hollywood superstar will make a “special appearance” during the closing ceremony. While FIFA has not revealed what Cruise will do, his involvement has only heightened anticipation for the pre-match festivities.

Beyond Cruise, several reports have suggested that celebrities such as Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio could also be in attendance, although FIFA has not officially confirmed those appearances. As with every World Cup final, the guest list is expected to feature a mix of actors, musicians, athletes, and dignitaries from around the world.

The tournament has already attracted plenty of famous faces. David Beckham, Victoria Beckham, Paris Hilton, and Sofía Vergara have all been spotted at matches during the competition, and the final is expected to continue that trend. While football remains the main attraction, the celebrity presence has become an increasingly familiar part of the World Cup experience.

Which Football Legends Will Be Present at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

Football legends are always among the biggest attractions at a World Cup final, and the 2026 showpiece is expected to be no different. While FIFA has not released a full VIP guest list, David Beckham is widely expected to be among the high-profile football figures in attendance, having played a prominent role throughout the tournament. Beckham has been one of the most recognizable faces around the World Cup, both as an ambassador for the game and as Inter Miami’s co-owner.

Beyond Beckham, FIFA has yet to confirm which former players will be in the stands. Traditionally, World Cup finals attract past champions, football icons, federation officials, and ambassadors from across the sport, so fans can expect plenty of familiar faces even if the complete guest list remains under wraps.

Which World Leaders and VIP Guests Are Expected at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

World Cup finals are never just sporting events, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final is expected to be no different. With the tournament taking place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the closing match at New York New Jersey Stadium is set to attract political leaders, football executives, celebrities, and global sporting icons.

The most prominent political figure expected at the final is U.S. President Donald Trump, who is set to attend the match and participate in the trophy presentation alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. As the leader of the host nation, Trump’s presence will be one of the biggest off-field talking points surrounding the final.

Other major government figures linked to the tournament include the leaders of the two other host nations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who have already been involved in official World Cup events and are among the expected high-profile guests for FIFA’s major ceremonies.

The VIP area is also expected to feature football’s biggest power brokers, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, UEFA and CONCACAF officials, national federation presidents, and former World Cup winners. Football legends and FIFA ambassadors such as David Beckham, who has maintained a visible role throughout the tournament, are also likely to be part of the star-studded crowd.

Which Musicians and Entertainers Will Attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

This is where the final gets loud. FIFA and its partners have confirmed performances from Jennifer Hudson, Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and streamer IShowSpeed, while the halftime show will feature Justin Bieber, Madonna, Shakira, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and BTS. 

There is also a quote that captures the mood perfectly. FIFA said Post Malone’s performance was designed “to celebrate the tournament’s journey and ignite the atmosphere before the world’s attention turns to the two finalists”. That tells you exactly what FIFA is going for: not a break in the action, but part of the event’s emotional peak.

Which Athletes From Other Sports Are Attending the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final?

FIFA has not published a specific guest list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final. However, throughout the tournament, several stars from other sports were spotted at various matches and World Cup events, making their presence at the final possible. The tournament’s North American locations have created a strong crossover between football and major American sports, with NFL, NBA, and MLB figures joining the celebrations.

Among the biggest names linked with the tournament are Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, two NFL legends who have been involved in World Cup-related activities. NBA stars such as Jimmy Butler have also shown support for the competition, while other American sports personalities, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, CC Sabathia, and David Ortiz, have appeared at FIFA events during the tournament.

The FIFA World Cup Final could also attract other global sporting icons, including LeBron James, Serena Williams, Lewis Hamilton, and Patrick Mahomes, although their attendance has not been officially confirmed. Given the scale of the event and the history of World Cup finals attracting famous athletes from across the world, the closing match is expected to feature a star-studded crowd beyond the football community.

Where Are the Celebrity and VIP Guests Seated During the FIFA World Cup Final?

Celebrity and VIP guests at the FIFA World Cup Final are usually seated in the stadium’s premium hospitality areas, executive boxes, and reserved VIP sections. These locations are generally positioned close to the halfway line, offering excellent views of the pitch while also providing easy access for security teams, officials, and media.

FIFA and host organizers carefully select these areas to accommodate heads of state, football legends, celebrities, sponsors, and other high-profile guests.

The placement is intentional. World Cup finals are as much about the global spectacle as they are about the match itself, and the presence of recognizable figures in the stands adds to the atmosphere.

From football icons and entertainment stars to political leaders and sporting champions, the VIP area becomes a showcase of global influence, a celebration happening alongside the biggest game in football.