By Peter Gulliver
Forget just goal-scoring, the World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off as the planet’s most glamorous runway. A magnetic force drawing fashion’s elite, entertainment’s biggest names, and the world’s most influential figures, this year’s tournament is rewriting the script. From electrifying opening ceremonies that doubled as red carpets to VIP boxes brimming with masterclasses in high-low styling, this quadrennial soccer spectacle has transformed into the ultimate backdrop for World Cup Celebrity Style.
Co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, the tournament’s North American leg is witnessing an unprecedented fusion of “football” (or “soccer,” if you prefer!) and high-profile lifestyle. While the sport sans pads has historically lagged well behind other major sports in the U.S., the beautiful game is finally having its mainstream moment in the U.S.—and it doesn’t hurt that the ultimate cool kids are cheering it on, turning every match into a must-see event.
Opening Ceremonies: A Star-Studded Kick-Off
The festivities ignited on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, where K-Pop phenomenon LISA of BLACKPINK and Brazil’s global pop sensation, Anitta, joined forces with Nigerian rapper Rema for the live debut of “Goals,” the sixth single from the official 2026 FIFA World Cup album.
“It was incredible to perform at the opening of the 2026 World Cup,” Anitta posted.
Fashion Moments That Stole the Show
But the fashion moments were every bit as headline-worthy. Anitta shimmered in a vibrant custom H&M Studio ensemble complete with a dramatic hooded cape and rhinestone-festooned chaps, perfectly capturing the joy and passion of Brazilian culture. K-pop queen LISA complemented the moment in a sleek, coordinating white ensemble, delivering a powerful visual statement.
Katy Perry Closes the Show
Superstar Katy Perry brought the U.S. portion of the opening ceremonies to a dazzling close, mesmerizing the crowd alongside 10-year-old Tius Luka during her first live performance of “Wonder.” Perry shimmered in a show-stopping silver tassel Stella McCartney Fall 2026 gown, while the young Canadian singer waved the Canadian flag proudly beside her. The heartfelt duet marked the final stop of the three-city opening-day celebrations.
Shakira Owns Mexico City
Meanwhile, Mexico City’s ceremony belonged entirely to Shakira, who delivered a masterclass in high-energy performance wear. She dazzled in a bold, sunny yellow ensemble that nodded to both Colombian and Brazilian flair: a bright yellow long-sleeved crop top with a mock neckline and a sexy perforated lattice cutout across the torso, paired with a matching flared sporty mini skirt and built-in white undershorts designed for her signature hip-shaking choreography.
Adding major drama under the stadium lights were matching yellow opera-style gloves, white chunky sneakers with yellow accents, and black oval sunglasses. With her voluminous reddish-blonde locks flowing freely, Shakira looked utterly in her element.
Alanis Morissette Brings Iconic Edge to Canada’s Opening Ceremony
Alanis Morissette delivered a powerful performance at Canada’s World Cup opening ceremony in Toronto, commanding the stage in a striking red satin bomber jacket adorned with silver stud detailing along the shoulders and zippers. She paired the bold top with sleek black trousers and minimal jewelry, creating a look that was equal parts rock-star energy and polished sophistication — the perfect blend of rebellious spirit and World Cup glamour.
The Canadian icon performed a moving bilingual rendition of “O Canada,” seamlessly blending English and French lyrics to honor the country’s two official languages. Morissette, whose raw and emotionally charged lyrics have defined a generation, rose to international fame with her groundbreaking 1995 album Jagged Little Pill. The record sold over 33 million copies worldwide, earned her multiple Grammy Awards (including Album of the Year), and solidified her as one of the most influential voices in alternative rock.
With hits like “You Oughta Know,” “Ironic,” and “Hand in My Pocket,” she continues to inspire with her unapologetic authenticity and artistic evolution across music, acting, and advocacy. Her appearance at the World Cup opening festivities served as a fitting tribute to both her Canadian roots and her enduring global impact.
Star Power in the Stands
These pop-star performances were merely the prelude to the dazzling celebrity appearances that followed, further amplifying the global buzz surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The VIP sections read like a who’s who of Hollywood and beyond.
The ever-chic David and Victoria Beckham rubbed shoulders with action legend Tom Cruise, reality royalty Paris Hilton, and beloved actors including Rob Lowe, Sofia Vergara, Owen Wilson, and Jamie Foxx.
Music industry heavyweights Jay-Z and Travis Scott were also in attendance, alongside sports icons LeBron James, and the ever-present Tom Brady, who shared a sweet father-daughter moment with his daughter Vivian during the Brazil vs. Morocco match at MetLife Stadium.
(The wholesome handshake went viral and was captured by FOX Sports.)
The “It” Crowd Hits MetLife in Casual-Chic Style
Speaking of MetLife, the stadium played host to a particularly glittering assembly for the highly anticipated Brazil vs. Morocco clash. Leading the charge was Anitta, who made the cross-country trip to New York/New Jersey to cheer on her home country, Brazil, fresh off her electrifying opening-day performance less than 24 hours earlier in Los Angeles.
The keen eye of X poster @MickmickNYC (aka New York Mickey) caught Anitta, Brazilian actress Marina Ruy Barbosa, and Hollywood star Zoey Deutch as they headed out from The Four Seasons Hotel.
“Just spotted Anitta, Zoey Deutch, and Marina Ruy Barbosa on their way to Brazil vs. Morocco at MetLife Stadium,” Mickmick excitedly posted, sharing video of the stylish trio embracing their roles as the most fashionable fans of the day.
This was a masterclass in World Cup celebrity sightings, minus the pomp and ceremony. Proving that the ultimate game-day flex is looking effortlessly cool, the trio traded formal red-carpet gowns for a delightfully relaxed yet high-style aesthetic, fully embracing the true spirit of sports fandom.
Anitta: Pop Queen Goes Sleek After Electrifying World Cup Performance
Brazil’s global pop sensation Anitta is a force of nature who has triumphantly conquered the international music scene with her infectious blend of funk carioca, pop, and reggaeton. Her multiple Latin Grammy nominations and commanding stage presence are just the beginning. While cheering on Team Brazil at MetLife Stadium, Anitta traded her high-octane stage look for a masterclass in sleek, monochromatic game-day glamour with a patriotic twist.
She turned heads in a fitted black cropped tank top featuring a small Brazilian crest on the chest, paired with high-waisted, tailored black trousers in a clean straight-leg silhouette that beautifully elongated her figure. Though no official designer credits have emerged for this casual outing, the look perfectly reflects her stylist Janelle Miller’s signature vibe: mixing accessible pieces with personal flair.
Anitta added playful touches with colorful beaded bracelets in yellow, green, and blue, layered gold necklaces, a delicate waist chain, and a cream-colored mini bucket bag adorned with beaded charm straps. Oversized dark sunglasses and soft, center-parted waves in her long dark brown hair completed the effortlessly cool “VIP fan” aesthetic.
Marina Ruy Barbosa: Brazil’s Style Icon Scores Big in Shop Ginger
Brazilian actress and bona fide style icon Marina Ruy Barbosa was, naturally, a vision as she arrived at MetLife. No designer credits were needed to guess the origin of her stunning look, as the ensemble aligned perfectly with her very own highly coveted fashion line, Shop Ginger.
Sporting a polished yet playful aesthetic, Marina wore an emerald green tailored suit featuring a structured blazer with notched lapels and a matching mini skirt. Beneath the blazer, she layered a green collared shirt accented with a green, white, and blue diagonal-striped necktie — a clever, ultra-chic nod to the Brazilian flag. She completed the look with black pointed-toe pumps, rounded black sunglasses, and delicate gold jewelry. With her signature long, wavy ginger hair flowing, Marina proved she is her own brand’s best ambassador while supporting Brazil in effortless style.
Beyond setting trends, Barbosa is captivating audiences in the highly anticipated true-crime series Tremembé, now streaming on Amazon Prime. She plays Suzane von Richthofen, convicted in connection with the 2002 murder of her parents, showcasing impressive dramatic depth as her character navigates survival and manipulation inside one of Brazil’s most notorious prisons.
A standout from her illustrious career came at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where she dazzled in a metallic yellow Miss Sohee couture gown that earned widespread social media acclaim. Whether shimmering in haute couture, delivering intense dramatic performances, or championing Brazilian designers, Barbosa uses fashion and art as powerful extensions of her identity — cementing her status as a global trendsetter in the prime of her life.
Bonus moment: Marina later shared a sweet photo on X of herself and close friend Anitta enjoying the match together, captioning it simply “@Anitta.” The post quickly gained traction, highlighting their friendship and shared love for Brazil on the big stage.
Zoey Deutch: Hollywood’s Chicest Fan in the Stands
Hollywood darling Zoey Deutch brought her signature blend of charm and effortless chic to MetLife Stadium. She kept things cool and relaxed in a crisp white ribbed tank top tucked into medium-wash blue jeans with rolled cuffs, finishing the look with oversized dark sunglasses. The casual-yet-polished choice perfectly captured the elegant crossover between Hollywood glamour and major sporting events, adding a touch of Tinseltown sparkle to the stands.
As the stylish trio headed to the match, Deutch’s minimalist, sun-ready ensemble brought an easy all-American charm that complemented Marina Ruy Barbosa’s tailored emerald suit and Anitta’s sleek black crop-and-pants set. It was the ideal low-key celebrity game-day uniform — polished, unfussy, and ready for stadium seats and summer heat.
Deutch consistently lands on best-dressed lists thanks to her ability to pull off daring looks with understated elegance. With a career spanning acclaimed films like Set It Up and Zombieland: Double Tap, her versatility shines through both on and off the screen. While soaking up the atmosphere and energy of a live World Cup match, she was ’no doubt’ using the fun-filled weekend to prepare for her lead role as Marla Messing in the upcoming drama The 99’ers. Deutch will portray the U.S. Women’s soccer executive who spearheaded the record-breaking 1999 Women’s World Cup. Nicole Kassell is directing the Netflix film.
Fresh off her soccer-filled weekend, she jetted cross-country and turned heads alongside her fiancé Jimmy Tatro at the June 16 premiere of The Voicemails for Isabelle, wearing a striking Valentino ensemble. The romantic comedy follows Jill (Deutch), who copes with the sudden loss of her sister Isabelle by leaving voicemails on her old phone number. Unbeknownst to her, the number has been reassigned to Wes (Nick Robinson), who begins falling for Jill through the heartfelt messages.
Frédéric Arnault & the LISA Saga: Power, Fashion, and Rumored Romance
Adding another layer of intrigue and undeniable influence to this already star-studded group was Frédéric Arnault. As the son of Bernard Arnault, whose family’s LVMH empire is valued at over $190 billion, Frédéric has quickly risen as a key figure in the luxury world. He currently serves as CEO of Loro Piana and previously led LVMH’s Watches division, overseeing powerhouse brands including Hublot, TAG Heuer, and Zenith.
Just a week prior to the World Cup match, Frédéric and his brother were spotted with their father during an F1 qualifying session ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
“Eagle-eyed viewers noticed Frédéric Arnault in the video,” @MickmickNYC posted in her thread. “He has been widely rumored to be dating LISA of BLACKPINK, though neither has publicly confirmed the relationship.”
The LISA–Frédéric Arnault dating saga has kept fans and fashion observers buzzing for months, with sightings tracked from Paris to Miami.
His presence alongside Anitta, Marina Ruy Barbosa, and Zoey Deutch added a compelling dimension of high fashion and elite power to the MetLife VIP scene. However, the big question on many minds was: where was LISA? Her absence during this high-profile outing with the group fueled ongoing speculation that the romance may no longer be active.
Recent reports, including a Vanity Fair cover story, have hinted that the pair “seem to have now called it quits.” LISA has spoken candidly about heartbreak in recent interviews, while Frédéric has maintained a low public profile on the matter. Still, by all appearances he remains a close friend to this glittering circle, underscoring how personal connections in the worlds of fashion, music, and global influence often endure beyond romance.
His attendance, seemingly social rather than business, highlights the blurred lines between personal life and the powerful LVMH brand. In an era of relentless speculation, the respectful distance the two appear to be maintaining stands out as refreshingly mature.
The Ginger Lining
Insiders say the friendship between Lisa, Anitta, Marina, and Zoey was formed out of mutual admiration.
In stressful times, there’s usually a silver lining. Or shall we say a ginger lining that keeps the bond strong.
More Fashion in the Crowd: Suede Brooks’ Game-Day Look
Model and influencer Suede Brooks brought cool, sporty elegance to SoFi Stadium in an oversized white long-sleeve soccer jersey from foundco.com. Featuring subtle vertical stripes, a distinct collar trim, and “FOUND” scripted across the chest, she paired it with crisp white mini shorts for a fresh, summery silhouette and finished the look with sleek black oval sunglasses. The effortless mix of athletic heritage and model-off-duty ease made her stand out against the electric World Cup atmosphere — pure pitch-side inspiration.
Brooks is also stepping into acting with a role in the Netflix reality series Calabasas Confidential, which premiered on May 29, 2026. The show follows a cast of celebrity kids navigating relationships and rivalries in their hometown of Calabasas. She has additionally taken up poker and is quickly becoming a regular fixture on the Celebrity Poker Tour.
Rounder Magazine Cover Models at the World Cup: Olga Gets The Party Started
Olga Iermolcheva
“Let’s get this party started!” poker pro Olga Iermolcheva posted on her Instagram alongside photos from the World Cup opening game in Mexico City on June 11. The Rounder cover star fully immersed herself in the Mexican football atmosphere, rocking a large white sombrero paired with sportswear and traditional flair at Estadio Azteca. Her vibrant look showed strong support for the host nation while perfectly capturing the festive energy of the tournament.
The world traveler has since headed to Las Vegas for the annual World Series of Poker, where she’ll be competing against some of the top professional players in the world. Can you read her poker face?
Tuğba Ercan: Turkish Pride in Her Hometown Stadium
Everyone who knows actor and World Poker Tour host Tuğba Ercan knew there was no chance she would miss her home country’s match in her hometown of Los Angeles. The Turkish-born American proudly wore a red-and-white Turkish national team jersey featuring the Turkish flag on the chest and a Nike swoosh, paired with classic blue jeans. She completed the patriotic look with face paint, a Turkish flag on one cheek and an American flag on the other, perfectly blending her dual heritage in the heart of SoFi Stadium.
“As a Turkish-born American, seeing the Turkish flag fly on this land, Atatürk’s children uniting, wearing the red and white proudly in the heart of the USA, and getting to witness this once-in-a-lifetime event here in my hometown of Los Angeles, is priceless — and I am so proud!” she wrote
Fashion, Fandom & Famous Faces: The New World Cup Rulebook
The World Cup 2026 has officially ushered in a new era where the lines between sport, entertainment, and celebrity fashion aren’t just blurred, they’re celebrated in spectacular style. The convergence of figures like Marina Ruy Barbosa, Anitta, Zoey Deutch, and Frédéric Arnault at the electric Brazil vs. Morocco match paints a vivid picture of success, influence, and a life lived to the fullest.
From Katy Perry’s show-stopping stage glamour to the off-duty, denim-clad chic of the VIP boxes, the tournament has become a magnetic force for global pop culture and plenty of irresistible FIFA celebrity sightings. It’s no longer just about the score. It’s about the style, the sightings, and the stories unfolding in the stands. This is the new rulebook, and we’re here for every fashionable play.
(For the record, the on-field action between Brazil and Morocco ended in a hard-fought draw — but let’s be honest, the real highlight was the fashion.)
Stay locked in at Rounder Magazine for more from the biggest stories in sports, lifestyle, and, of course, unparalleled celebrity glamour.
Lead image of fans at MetLife Stadium provided by Niyi Fote/TheNEWS2 via ZUMA Press Wire
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