The 2026 FIFA World Cup has certainly not been short on talking points. From the early exits of Brazil and Germany to the wonderful underdog stories, like Cape Verde's qualification for the knockout stages. It has already proven to be an unforgettable tournament, with the quarterfinals only kicking off yesterday (July 6th).
Mbappé has impressed and Messi has proven that age is just a number. Jude Bellingham has also emerged as England's talent, born in Dudley. Meanwhile, football is trying to take center stage over the political unrest that continues to overshadow the tournament. Off the field, there was no shortage of celebrities in the audience, with personalities like Sabrina Carpenter, Ryan Reynolds, and Tom Cruise attending the stands.
There was also a parade of exceptional watches. As you would expect from the best footballers on the planet. There was no shortage of fine pieces showcased in the early weeks of the tournament. And, with the final not taking place until July 19th, there is still time for more impressive displays.
With the quarterfinals kicking off with the showdown between Spain and Portugal, we've rounded up the best watches that have graced the FIFA World Cup so far.
Champagne Papi watched the match between Portugal and Croatia in his hometown of Toronto, in his characteristic style. As he watched Portugal advance to the quarterfinals thanks to Gonçalo Ramos's winning goal in extra time, the «Nice for What» rapper was wearing an extremely limited-edition Richard Mille watch.
Only 30 pieces of the Tourbillon Fleur have been made in total. And Drake, with his exceptional taste for bold and intricate watches, made sure to get one. With an original retail price just shy of $300,000, the watch is estimated to be worth about ten times that on the rare occasions it hits the market.
Beckham had a busy summer showcasing Tudor watches. One day he's at the World Cup, the next at Wimbledon, and then he's back again. And each time, he's wearing a Tudor, as a longtime ambassador for the brand.
When he watched the Argentina versus Cape Verde match, he was wearing one of the brand's latest and most striking models. The Black Bay Chrono in the «Bumblebee» colorway. Probably the best new watch Tudor has released this year. It fits Beckham's wrist perfectly, as do most watches.
As one of the most significant collectors of the finest watches in the entire world, it's only fitting that the rap legend would show up with one of the rarest pieces in the entire Audemars Piguet collection. This specific model was released in 1997 and is constructed out of the rare and unique combination of tantalum and platinum. Only 16 pieces were ever made, and JAY-Z effortlessly pulled out his to watch the Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador match.
The Aston Villa forward has barely featured on the pitch so far at this World Cup. As he faithfully fulfills the role of Harry Kane’s understudy. But he has stolen the show off the pitch with his watches. When the England national team arrived in the USA at the start of the World Cup, he was spotted wearing the open-worked, original version of the Royal Oak. It is one of Audemars' most technologically advanced watches, with its dual balance-wheel architecture and fully open-worked dial.
Many rich and famous people can boast of owning a Royal Oak. But only one person can say they own *this* Royal Oak.
This is a special order for Travis Scott. It coincided with his actual collaboration with the brand (which was limited to 200 pieces). The «Chocolate AP,» as the rapper affectionately calls it, features a variety of colorful gemstones on the bezel, which are offset by the brown ceramic case, creating a truly unique watch.
Gordon has gradually found his rhythm in the tournament, especially with his brave performance against Mexico. But what he wore on his wrist was the biggest contribution of Barcelona's new winger in the group stage.
Arriving in New Jersey for England's final group match against Panama, Gordon was spotted wearing a stunning Patek Philippe Grand Complication Chronograph Perpetual. With a leather strap and 80 sapphires around the bezel. This Patek is a hefty model and would set any admirer back over £400,000.
Ronaldo has been a big watch enthusiast since before he signed with Manchester United at the age of 17. He then created his own line in collaboration with Jacob & Co. Simultaneously, he has amassed one of the most coveted collections in the world of football.
Upon his arrival in the US last month, the legendary striker, who is participating in his sixth World Cup, opted for the stunning Rolex Daytona. Adorned with a rainbow-colored bezel, encrusted with countless, dazzling stones. This is a watch he has been seen wearing several times before. So it must be one of his favorites within his vast collection.
Source: somethingaboutrocks.com
