BBC commentator Guy Mowbray mistakenly identified Pharrell Williams as fellow rapper A$AP Rocky during live coverage of the 2026 World Cup Final. The incident occurred as the camera panned to the VIP suite where Williams, 53, was seated with his wife, Helen Lasichanh, watching Spain's match against Argentina at MetLife Stadium.
"I think that’s AKA Rocky or A$AP Rocky. Sorry," Mowbray stated on air. Notably, A$AP Rocky, born Rakim Mayers, was also in attendance, seated one row in front of Williams with his partner, Rihanna. Other celebrities in the vicinity included rapper Future and New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
Mowbray's on-air gaffe was not the only celebrity mix-up during the match. Fox broadcaster John Strong mistook actor Matt Damon for Brad Pitt while announcing celebrity guests. "Brad Pitt among the fans here," Strong announced, before his fellow announcer Stu Holden corrected him by interjecting, "That’s Matt Damon."
Both announcers later shared a laugh over the error. Strong, 41, admitted he became overconfident after identifying the first few stars correctly. "I got cocky after the first three, and I missed an absolute sitter so I’m done," he told Holden, handing over commentary for subsequent celebrity identifications.
Damon, 55, attended the game with his wife, Luciana Barroso. Spain ultimately defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final match. The halftime show featured performances by Shakira, Madonna, Burna Boy, Justin Bieber, and BTS.
A number of other notable figures were present at the game, including Blake Lively, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, David and Victoria Beckham, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet, Alix Earle, and Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union.