A royal-scale final: Football and global political stars gather for the 2026 World Cup decider

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina has drawn not only tens of thousands of passionate fans to MetLife Stadium, but also a glittering array of global celebrities and high-profile dignitaries.

One of the first to catch the crowd’s attention was U.S. President Donald Trump, who arrived at the arena just before kickoff. He was joined in the VIP box by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

A highlight of the pre-match ceremony was the appearance of Spanish football legend Andrés Iniesta. The 2010 World Cup winner brought the sport’s ultimate prize—the FIFA World Cup trophy—onto the pitch, soon to be claimed by a new champion.

Also in attendance was King Felipe VI of Spain, who arrived to personally support his national team as they battle Argentina. The presence of the Spanish monarch, the U.S. President, the FIFA chief, and one of football’s all-time greats underscores the 2026 World Cup final’s status as one of the premier sporting spectacles of the year.