MetLife Stadium in New Jersey buzzed with celebrity arrivals on Sunday ahead of the World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina. Actor Tom Cruise was among the first notable figures to arrive, seen interacting with fans and preparing for a special appearance during the closing ceremony.
The event, anticipated to draw billions of viewers, featured a halftime show and a closing ceremony with performances by artists such as Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber, and Post Malone. Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Hudson, and Robbie Williams were also slated for appearances.
Other notable attendees included Spanish actor Javier Bardem, skiing legend Lindsey Vonn, and actress Julia Garner. Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario and former England captain John Terry were also spotted entering the stadium.
Despite the star-studded guest list, the day began with significant challenges for fans attempting to enter the venue. Thousands of fans and media members experienced lengthy delays, with wait times reported to be over four hours due to reported technological glitches with ticket scanning and security personnel managing large crowds. Extra security measures were in place due to the attendance of former President Donald Trump, who was expected to present the World Cup trophy.
Tickets for the match were reportedly among the most expensive in sports history, with resale prices starting around $7,000. FIFA had advised attendees to arrive up to four hours before the game to allow time for entry and participation in the pre-match ceremonies.
Argentina, the holders from the 2022 tournament, were set to face Spain in the final. The match was particularly significant for Argentina's star player Lionel Messi, potentially his last World Cup appearance at age 39.