The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in the books and it has been one for the history books for a number of reasons.
Spain were historically good on their way to a second Jules Rimet Trophy while England achieved their second best ever finish at a tournament despite a dark cloud lingering over their last minute defeat to Argentina. There’s been accusations of political interference, widely booed drinks breaks and an awkward presidential appearance at the final. That’s without mentioning the endurance of Lionel Messi, yet another failure from Brazil, and America finally getting swept up by the beautiful game.
Then there’s the watches. All through the five week tournament, the A-listers in the crowd have brought the very best of their watch game. From David Beckham acting as a one man showcase for Tudor to Drake rocking a watch that’s costly even by Hip Hop standards, there have been no shortage of eye-catching displays in the stands.
And that did not let up at the Final either. With the match between Spain and Argentina drawing more celebrities than the Met Gala, it was always going to be a great night for watch spotting and the stars did not disappoint. Below, we have rounded up five of the best watches on display from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final.
Carlos Alcaraz – Rolex Daytona Rainbow
It doesn’t get much better than bringing the Jules Rimet trophy onto the pitch for the World Cup Final unless you do it wearing a Rolex Daytona Rainbow, which is exactly what tennis superstar, Carlos Alcaraz, did. First launched in 2012, the Rainbow is a flamboyant departure from the generally conservative Daytona models. Immediately recognisable for its blisteringly colourful bezel, it was a watch clearly fit for the occasion as Burna Boy was wearing the same watch during the ill-fated half-time show, only his had been customised with diamonds.
Ed Sheeran – Rolex Daytona Panda
Joining Trevor Noah on a livestream as they reacted to the half-time show, Ed Sheeran (with a beer in hand that would later be spilled over the comic) offered his slightly tipsy commentary on events with the two appearing to enjoy the performances more than the general public. What was most noteworthy about the stream was the watches on show. Noah was wearing a Swatch x Audemars Piguet RoyalPop on a third party strap while Sheeran continued his love affair with Rolex, going with the Daytona Panda he previously revealed was a very generous gift from John Mayer.
Ronaldo – F.P. Journe Elégante
The half-time show was 15 minutes fans watching at home could have used to get that extra beer or order a late night takeaway but then they would have missed Ronaldo (and Ronaldinho) accompany Madonna onto the pitch in New York. Apart from the bizarre sight of the pop icon flanked by the two Brazilian legends, the former Real Madrid striker had a grail of an F.P. Journe on his wrist. The Elégante is one of the F.P. Journe pieces you are more likely to see in the wild (and it is hard to miss at 48mm) and has one of the most impressive movements you’re ever likely to find on a watch – it stops completely when it’s not being worn but recalibrates to the precisely correct time when it’s back on the wrist.
JAY-Z – Rolex Cosmograph Daytona John Player Special
Even for him, JAY-Z has been having a generational run with his watches of late. From his Yankee Stadium residency to earlier World Cup appearances, the rap legend has been bringing out some of the rarest and priciest pieces from his vast collection. It was no different at the World Cup Final either where he was seen sporting a John Player Special, one of the rarest Rolex’s there is and one that can go for up to $2 million on the auction block. Less than 20 have ever surfaced publicly.
Roman Reigns – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Concept Split Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date
The WWE Champion appears to be a big fan of his openworked Audemars. He previously wore it to the divisive UFC Freedom 250 event at The White House and brought it back out for the World Cup Final. At 43mm, it’s a big watch for a big man and the titanium gives the watch a strong look of robustness while the dial has flickers of colour and illuminates after dark, though this was not needed at the World Cup as the game kicked off in the middle of the afternoon.
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