While fashion and sports have never been exclusive of one another, in 2026, sporting tournaments and major sports events across the globe have boasted a strong fashion component that says much about the evolution of sports as cultural spaces.
With the ability to connect industries and highly engaged communities, sports are today one of the world’s biggest stages. And that, of course, extends to fashion. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, for example, prompted a surge of worldwide attention since April, according to data company Launchmetrics. The tournament generated nearly $1 billion in Media Impact Value two months before it even began. At its peak, the event prompted all sorts of fashion conversations, from the re-emergence of a trend dubbed Blokecore to deep dives into the items that notable ballers sported during the event.
Today, July 19, the World Cup comes to an end, but before closing this last chapter, the football event delivered noteworthy style moments on and off the pitch. Below, find some of the best moments at the FIFA World Cup Final match.
Maria Becerra Reps the Argentinian Flag
Argentinian singer Maria Becerra was in charge of singing her country’s national anthem during the match opening. For the momentous occasion—one of the biggest performances of her career—the singer wore a custom look from Abel Cepeda’s corsetry brand SEKS. The look featured a bodycon plate with the Argentinian flag colors (light blue and white) layered over a light blue silk skirt. Becerra completed the look with a lightweight shawl draped over the shoulders and a sun appliqué recreating the Sun of May, one of Argentina’s national symbols.
Lamine Yamal’s Streetwear
Full-time football prodigy, part-time streetwear enthusiast, Lamine Yamal has made a reputation as one of the most stylish ballers on Earth. The Spanish right winger’s wardrobe has been closely examined—nearly as much as his footwork on the pitch—throughout the tournament and the final match was no exception. Yamal, arrived at the at New York New Jersey Stadium dressed in the ‘90s-infused Spanish pre-match uniform, but the key point was on the accessorizing: an Adidas duffel bag, a Gucci Horsebit 1955 Mini Bag, a backwards cap and a set of pearl necklaces to add yet another slay to his jewelry lookbook. That was champion attitude right there.
Shakira’s Throwback to the 2010s
Dubbed the Queen of the FIFA World Cup, Shakira never fails to deliver bangers and A-plus style at the tournament. For the inaugural edition of the FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show, Shakira opted for a pink and yellow ensemble by Roberto Cavalli’s Fausto Puglisi. The Shakicore ensemble had her signature all over and was reminiscent of her 2010 World Cup performance.
But…while in 2010 the look, designed by the late Roberto Cavalli, featured a neon and pink bralette with a long skirt, this year, Shaki’s outfit featured a bodysuit with an open back, worn underneath a long flowing fringed skirt. The colors, pink and orange, drew inspiration from the sunset and Mexico City’s neighborhood La Condesa—both perfect elements to evoke what the 2026 World Cup has been all about.
Madonna’s Saint Laurent Set
Music legend Madonna opened up the halftime performance alongside football icons Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, and yet, her style didn’t get lost in the moment. The attention-commanding set was a Saint Laurent creation with glittery accents and pops of pink. While the corset and boots were standout pieces on their own, perhaps the most iconic item was a pair of fingerless gloves reminiscent of goalkeeper gloves, covered in Swarovski crystals and embellishments by Le Rhinestud.
Justin Bieber’s Self-Promoting Take on Blokecore
While every halftime show headliner went all out for the event’s inaugural edition, Canadian pop darling Justin Bieber embraced simplicity with a head-to-toe Skylrk look. Skylrk, ICYIM, is the Biebs-owned streetwear brand launched last year.
At the World Cup, Bieber repped the brand, wearing everything Skylrk, from the unreleased sneakers, socks and sunglasses to the polo shirt, shorts and guitar strap. Aesthetically, the ensemble leaned on minimalism, with nods to sportswear and a pared-down spin on Blokecore’s signature team jersey.
Timothée Chalamet’s Nod to the Casuals
The casuals, the youth subculture associated with stadiums and football in the ‘70s and ‘80s, are so deeply ingrained in football culture that even today, their print is visible at stadiums and major sporting events. One of the celebs taking a page from the subculture’s book at the World Cup final was award-winning actor Timothée Chalamet. The Marty Supreme star went for a casual blue sweatshirt with white accents, paired with black sweatpants—all Adidas because the actor actually introduced the Trionda Final ball, the brand’s customized design for the FIFA World Cup Final.
Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Laura Pausini’s Total Blue Looks
No FIFA World Cup final is complete without a high-voltage closing ceremony and this year’s edition was in charge of English singer Robbie Williams, Italian music icon Laura Pausini and multihyphenate Nicole Scherzinger. The trio performed the FIFA official anthem “Desire,” decked out in matching electric blue outfits.
Despite sharing the same color theme, each look channeled the singer’s personal affinities. Williams nodded to an iconic moment of his career (the red tracksuit considered a landmark of the Cool Britannia movement), with a blue bedazzled tracksuit.
Laura Pausini, one of Italy’s biggest artists, wore a couture top and skirt set by the Italian fashion house Balestra. Pausini’s outfit was covered with Swarovski crystals and featured delicate draping on the bodice. The singer completed the look with a silver necklace.
Meanwhile, Scherzinger donned a blue number by Indian couturier Gaurav Gupta. The custom outfit borrowed elements from a runway look from the Spring/Summer 2023 couture collection, combining skin-tight pants with an ornate skirt and a crop top with sheer details.
BTS Coordinated Blokecore Style
South Korea’s landmark band BTS brought dynamism to the Halftime Show with a performance of their 2020 hit “Dynamite.” While the septet, consisting of Jin, Suga, J-Hope, RM, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, often opt for coordinated ensembles on stage, they went a step further for their first group World Cup appearance.
The styling combined personal sensibilities with streetwear and football gear codes: numbered jerseys, football crests and ball imagery. There was something for everyone: leather looks, scarf belts, layered buckles and custom jewelry with the group and each of the members’ names. Meanwhile, the color palette spanned white, red and black, as a nod to their national football team and supporters, dubbed the “Red Devils.”
Plus, every look was customized by independent and emerging brands and the jewelry pieces were crafted with football motifs in mind, creating a unified image without sacrificing individuality.
Hoyeon and Carlos Alcaraz’s Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk-Unveiling Ensembles
French giant Louis Vuitton is in charge of nearly every major sporting event’s trophy trunk. The 2026 FIFA World Cup was no different and brand ambassadors Hoyeon and Carlos Alcaraz were in charge of presenting the item ahead of the Argentina vs. Spain match. Hoyeon, South Korean actress and model who recently starred in Na Hong-Jin’s thriller Hope, stepped out in a pink halter dress by the French Maison. The look belonged to the Cruise 2027 collection and was playfully styled with orange sneakerinas.
Tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz, on the other hand, looked sleek but relaxed in a beige summer suit, worn atop a white shirt.
