The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen no shortage of talking points. From the early exists of Brazil and Germany to the wonderful underdog stories of Cape Verde making it to the knockout stages, it has already been a tournament to remember and the quarter finals only start today (July 6).
Mbappe has dazzled, Messi has proved age is barely a number and Jude Bellingham has been England’s Dudley born talisman as the football attempts to do the talking instead of the political furore that has continued to niggle the tournament. Elsewhere off the pitch, there have been no shortage of celebrities in attendance with the likes of Sabrina Carpenter, Ryan Reynolds and Tom Cruise all seen in the stands.
There has also been a parade of excellent watches. As you would expect from the best footballers on planet Earth, there has been no shortage of fine pieces on display over the initial weeks of the tournament and with the final not taking place until July 19, there is still time for more showstoppers.
With the quarter finals set to begin with a headline clash between Spain and Portugal, we have rounded up the best watches seen at the FIFA World Cup so far.
Drake – Richard Mile RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur
Drake wears the $1.3m USD Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon "Fleur" in 18k white gold set w/ diamonds on a white rubber strap (ref. RM 19-02 WG; one of 30) at Portugal’s World Cup game 🥶
— Badnis (@coolmike00) July 3, 2026
Drake definitely has the most expensive watch collection 💫 pic.twitter.com/UyM4YyyMHf
Champagne Papi stopped by the clash between Portugal and Croatia in his native Toronto with typical flair. As he watched Portugal edge through to the quarter finals via a stoppage time Goncalo Ramos winner, the “Nice for What” rapper was sporting an extremely limited Richard Mille. Only 30 of the Tourbillon Fleur have ever been made and Drizzy, with his keen eye for brash and complex timepieces, made sure he laid his hands on one. Originally retailing for a smudge less than $300,000, the watch is thought to be worth around ten times that on the rare occasion they come to market.
David Beckham – Tudor Black Bay Chrono Bumblebee
Beckham has had a busy summer flaunting Tudor. One day, he’s at the World Cup, the next he’s at Wimbledon, and then back again. And every time, he’s wearing Tudor. A longtime ambassador for the brand, when he attended Argentina versus Cape Verde, he was wearing one of the brand’s latest and most impressive models – the Black Bay Chrono in a Bumblebee colourway. Probably the best new watch Tudor have released this year, it looks at home on Beckham’s wrist, but then so do most timepieces.
JAY-Z – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
One of the foremost collectors of the best timepieces anywhere in the world, it’s only right that the rap legend brought one of the rarest pieces in the entire Audemars Piguet canon. This particular reference was released back in 1997 and is made from the rare and unique combination of tantalum and platinum. Only 16 were ever manufactured and JAY-Z casually brought his out to watch Ivory Coast play Eduador.
Ollie Watkins – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Ollie Watkins arrived to the World Cup wearing an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Ref. 15407ST.OO.1220ST.02 pic.twitter.com/efoCTYTnrz
— The Global Watch Club (@GlobalWatchClub) July 4, 2026
The Aston Villa striker has had little to do on the pitch so far at this World Cup as he dutifully serves as Harry Kane’s backup, but he has been making a show off the pitch with his watches. Watkins was seen wearing his openworked version of the Royal Oak when the England team arrived in the USA at the start of the World Cup and it’s one of the most technically advanced Audemars watches with its double balance wheel mechanism and completely skeletonised dial.
Travis Scott – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
A lot of the rich and famous can boast about having a Royal Oak but only man can say he owns this Royal Oak. A custom job for Travis Scott to coincide with his actual collaboration with the brand (which itself was limited to 200 issues), the Chocolate AP, as the rapper affectionately terms it, features a rainbow of colourful gemstones on the bezel which are offset by the mousy brown ceramic case to create a truly unique watch.
Anthony Gordon – Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph Perpetual
While Gordon has slowly grown into the tournament, especially with a gutsy display against Mexico, what was on his wrist was the new Barcelona winger’s greatest contribution to the group stages. Arriving in New Jersey for England’s final group game against Panama, Gordon was seen wearing a gorgeous Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph Perpetual with a leather strap. Featuring 80 sapphires around the bezel, this Patek is a heavyweight and will cost any admirer more than £400,000.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Rolex Daytona “Rainbow”
Cristiano Ronaldo wearing a Rolex “Rainbow” Daytona in yellow gold with a rainbow sapphire bezel and a diamond-set mother-of-pearl dial pic.twitter.com/ZdPEyoMw0w
— The Global Watch Club (@GlobalWatchClub) June 29, 2026
Ronaldo has been a big watch guy ever since before he signed for Manchester United at the age of 17 and has gone on to create his own line with Jacob & Co. while building one of the most enviable collections in the game. But when arriving in the USA last month, the legendary forward, who is playing in his sixth World Cup, opted for the flamboyant Rolex Daytona decorated with a rainbow bezel set with seemingly endless gems. It’s a watch he has been seen wearing several times so it must be a favourite within his vast collection.
Like this? 2026 FIFA World Cup: The Best Watches for Football Fans
Get your hands on the latest issue of Something About Rocks magazine
