Spain defeated Argentina to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, lifting the coveted trophy at New York New Jersey Stadium in front of millions of viewers around the world. The historic victory for Spain was celebrated by King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía, creating an unforgettable moment for the royal family and the country. Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, currently recovering from an injury that forced him to miss both the French Open and Wimbledon, had the honour of opening the briefcase containing the World Cup trophy before it was presented to Spain.
Hollywood in the Stands
Tom Cruise played one of the most prominent roles of the day off the pitch, walking onto the field before kickoff to deliver an impassioned speech that officially concluded FIFA’s World Cup closing ceremony, adding another cinematic moment to an already unforgettable afternoon.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z were photographed enjoying the Argentina–Spain match, though unlike other celebrities, the Carters skipped the golden carpet at New York New Jersey Stadium. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner were also spotted at the game, with Timothée walking onto the field before the match while Kylie watched from a suite.
The Full Roster
Martha Stewart shared a photo with David and Victoria Beckham from one of the boxes at MetLife Stadium. Spanish actor Javier Bardem arrived wearing his country’s jersey, while retired players from Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning team, including Xavi Hernández, Iker Casillas, Fernando Hierro, and Fernando Llorente, reunited at the stadium. Tom Cruise, Lindsey Vonn, Winnie Harlow, and Sofía Vergara were among the wider celebrity contingent filling the stands, in a crowd that turned the World Cup Final into something that felt as much like a cultural summit as a football match.
The Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony added further star power with performances from Jennifer Hudson, Post Malone, and Robbie Williams, a final sequence that kept the stadium at full energy long after the final whistle had blown. For a tournament that has spent a month building toward this moment, the closing gave it the send-off it deserved.
