{"id":2508604,"date":"2026-07-19T20:45:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-19T20:45:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2508604"},"modified":"2026-07-19T20:45:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-19T20:45:54","slug":"tom-cruise-turns-2026-world-cup-final-into-hollywoods-biggest-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/tom-cruise-turns-2026-world-cup-final-into-hollywoods-biggest-stage\/","title":{"rendered":"Tom Cruise Turns 2026 World Cup Final Into Hollywood’s Biggest Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\n\tThe 2026 FIFA World Cup<\/a> has smashed ratings records in the U.S.<\/a> and around the world, owing to its unique mix of star power \u2014 Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar performing in perhaps their final World Cup matches, joined by younger stars Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal \u2014 a North American setting and a bevy of certified studs<\/a>. And speaking of star power, Tom Cruise<\/a>, one of Hollywood\u2019s last movie stars, has an Oscar-courting movie coming out in the fall, \u201cDigger,\u201d<\/a> that he\u2019s been promoting the heck out of. So naturally, the two would merge their audiences, first with \u201cDigger\u201d airing a number of special TV spots during World Cup matches, and then Cruise making a special appearance during Sunday\u2019s World Cup final between Spain and defending champions Argentina at New Jersey\u2019s MetLife Stadium (temporarily renamed the New York New Jersey Stadium just for the World Cup).<\/p>\n

\n\tAfter hanging with \u201cSesame Street\u2019s\u201d Elmo and Cookie Monster<\/a> prior to the match, the \u201cMission: Impossible\u201d and \u201cTop Gun\u201d star delivered an inspirational speech opening the World Cup final, where he proclaimed, \u201cSo, 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.\u201d A number of other celebrities were in attendance at the final, including President Donald Trump (who was showered with boos), \u201cThe Odyssey\u201d star Matt Damon<\/a> and his wife Luciana, Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet and his girlfriend Kylie Jenner, Mick Jagger, Justin Bieber<\/a>, Will Ferrell, Tom Brady, Kevin Hart, Victor Wembanyama, Post Malone, Pharrell Williams (who announcers misidentified as A$AP Rocky), Julia Garner, Trevor Noah, Anya Taylor-Joy (in an Argentina jersey, since she\u2019s part-Argentinian), two-time Oscar winner Adrien Brody and more.<\/p>\n

\n\tAnd then came the halftime show.<\/p>\n

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Tom Cruise gives an inspirational speech while opening the FIFA #WorldCup<\/a> final: <\/p>\n

“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.”<\/p>\n

(via FOX) pic.twitter.com\/xNxQPhnaqA<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Variety (@Variety) July 19, 2026<\/a>\n<\/div>\n

\n\tCurated by Coldplay\u2019s Chris Martin, the World Cup\u2019s first-ever official halftime show was co-headlined by BTS<\/a>, Justin Bieber, Madonna and Shakira, highlighting the competition\u2019s mostly American backdrop and its international scope. With the match scoreless at the half, the crowds in attendance and watching on TV needed an adrenaline boost, and the medley of musical acts was more than eager to provide one.<\/p>\n

\n\tOh, and there was Jason Sudeikis<\/a>, who popped out as his Ted Lasso character to introduce Justin Bieber, urging him to \u201cmake us proud\u201d while posing in front of a \u201cBELIEBE\u201d sign.<\/p>\n

\n\tTo say that the event was star-studded would be a vast understatement. The 2026 FIFA World Cup final was the hottest ticket since Game 4 of the NBA Finals, attracting celebrities from all over the world to\u2026 New Jersey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n