The 2026 FIFA World Cup came to a spectacular close in New York as Spain defeated Argentina to lift football’s biggest prize. But while the action on the pitch delivered plenty of drama, the final itself became a global cultural event, bringing together Hollywood stars, world-famous musicians, luxury fashion houses and unforgettable moments that extended far beyond the game. From Louis Vuitton’s bespoke Trophy Trunk to Shakira’s custom Roberto Cavalli performance look, these were the standout moments from football’s biggest night.
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Spain were crowned 2026 FIFA World Cup champions after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time in a dramatic final at MetLife Stadium in New York. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal to secure the nation’s second men’s World Cup title.
Spain’s forward Ferran Torres celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match.
The victory also marked a historic milestone, making Spain the first country to hold both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup titles simultaneously, cementing its place at the pinnacle of international football.
Lamine Yamal lifts the World Cup trophy
Another history-maker was Lamine Yamal, who at just 19 years old became one of the youngest players ever to lift football’s biggest prize, further establishing himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
A Final Fit for Hollywood
If the football wasn’t enough, the atmosphere surrounding the final felt more like the Oscars than a sporting event.
The opening ceremony welcomed a host of global stars including Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger and Jennifer Hudson, setting the tone for an evening that celebrated entertainment as much as football.
Jennifer Hudson sings the National Anthem of The United States
The tournament’s first-ever half-time show elevated the spectacle even further. Global superstar Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS and Coldplay’s Chris Martin delivered performances that reflected FIFA’s ambition to transform the World Cup final into an event on the scale of the Super Bowl.
The Celebrity Guest List
The stands were equally glamorous. Among those watching Spain lift the trophy were David and Victoria Beckham, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, Matt Damon, Camila Cabello and countless other familiar faces from the worlds of film, music and fashion.
Beyoncé and Jay-Z
Chris Martin
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner
David Beckham and Tom Cruise
Justin Bieber
Madonna
Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini perform
Shakira’s Fashion Moment
Returning to football’s biggest stage, Shakira once again delivered one of the tournament’s standout performances.
Shakira performs at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final
For the historic half-time show, the Colombian singer collaborated with her longtime friend, designer Fausto Puglisi, wearing a custom Roberto Cavalli creation that perfectly matched the scale of the occasion. Embellished, high-impact and unapologetically glamorous, the look reinforced fashion’s growing role in football’s biggest cultural moments.
Shakira wore a colourful creation by Fausto Puglisi for Roberto Cavalli
Louis Vuitton’s Winning Tradition
Before Spain’s players got their hands on football’s most coveted prize, the FIFA World Cup Trophy arrived inside one of luxury’s most recognisable creations.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy was housed in a custom-made trunk by Louis Vuitton
Handcrafted in Louis Vuitton’s historic workshops in Asnières-sur-Seine, the bespoke World Cup Trophy Trunk once again became one of the final’s most photographed accessories.
Louis Vuitton
Crafted in the House’s signature Monogram canvas, the trunk features a striking gold “V”, representing both Victory and Vuitton, alongside leather trim, gold-plated brass hardware and a soft leather-lined interior. Continuing a tradition that began in 2010, the trunk has become almost as iconic as the trophy itself, symbolising the meeting of exceptional craftsmanship and sporting excellence.
To mark the occasion, Louis Vuitton also unveiled an exclusive limited-edition collection of trunks inspired by the tournament.
Politics on the World Stage
The final also attracted political attention, with US President Donald Trump in attendance. After watching the match from behind a bulletproof protective screen, he presented Spain with the World Cup trophy and later described the tournament as “one of the greatest events of any kind ever held.”
President Donald Trump
More Than a Football Tournament
The 2026 FIFA World Cup demonstrated just how much the tournament has evolved beyond sport. Celebrity culture, luxury fashion, live music and global entertainment became as integral to the experience as the football itself.
From Spain’s historic victory and Lamine Yamal’s rise to global superstardom to Shakira’s dazzling performance and Louis Vuitton’s exquisitely crafted Trophy Trunk, this was a World Cup that reflected the modern intersection of sport, fashion and popular culture.
Long after the celebrations have ended, these are the moments that will define the summer of 2026.
