Tom Cruise made sure to strike a chord with the audience as he opened the highly anticipated 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.
On Sunday, July 19, the 64-year-old American actor and film producer marked the ceremony with an inspiring speech at New York New Jersey Stadium, praising the tournament for uniting people from around the world despite their differences and uncertain times.
“Thirty days ago, nations began a journey. They crossed oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together, they showed us why this game belongs to the world,” Cruise said.
He continued, “From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy, moments of hope, moments we will all never forget.”
The Mission: Impossible star further hailed football as a “language spoken without words,” describing it as having the unique ability to “unite people,” “turn strangers into friends,” and remind them of what truly connects them.
“These stories now belong to each and every one of us, to every nation, to every player, to every supporter, to every volunteer, to every dream carried on the pitch,” he added.
Toward the end of his heartfelt speech, Cruise emphasised celebrating the sport and the tournament that unanimously brought the world together.
“So, as we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. This is greatness,” he concluded.
Prior to the match, the Top Gun actor was seen mingling with Sesame Street icons Elmo and Cookie Monster.
What other celebrities were present at the final game?
Cruise was joined by a long list of celebrities and public figures at the final, including Serena Williams, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner, David and Victoria Beckham, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Matt Damon, Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, Mick Jagger, Tom Brady, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Martha Stewart, Pharrell Williams, Julia Garner, Adrien Brody, Trevor Noah, and Anya Taylor-Joy.
The final also included FIFA’s first-ever official 11-minute halftime show. Curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, the performance brought together BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Madonna.
Before Spain and Argentina faced off in the World Cup final, Post Malone headlined the tournament’s closing ceremony alongside IShowSpeed and Swae Lee. Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, and Nicole Scherzinger were also part of the pre-match show, while Jennifer Hudson delivered the national anthem.
Which team won the 2026 FIFA World Cup final?
Spain lifted the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy after a 1-0 win over Argentina in extra time. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match in the 106th minute.
