The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not just delivering goals, drama and upsets, but some serious watch spotting too!
The FIFA World Cup has been more than just about football. It is a fusion of culture, fashion, celebrities, and national pride, all on full display in one place. And the fact that it only comes around once every four years makes it all the more special and worthwhile. For 2026, that stage is bigger than ever, with the tournament hosted across Canada, Mexico and the United States, marking the first World Cup to feature 48 teams and three host countries.
And while, of course, the main event is happening on the pitch, there is still plenty happening outside the sidelines too. From players arriving at training and press conferences to managers watching from the touchline, the World Cup has become a surprisingly good place for some serious watch spotting. These are not just random celebrity sightings, either; these are watches worn by the very people shaping the tournament.
For us watch enthusiasts, this makes the sporting event even more interesting. Whether it is a star player from your favourite team wearing a bold timepiece, a manager opting for something a little more classic and understated, or even a former legend rocking up with some serious horological firepower, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has given us plenty to talk about.
We have gathered below a few players and managers who have been spotted with some horological taste on their wrist, showing that at the FIFA World Cup, the competition is not only happening on the pitch!
Lionel Messi (Argentina):
Rolex Day-Date 36
Reference: 128239-0083
Starting this list is the heavy-hitting Lionel Messi. His performance on the pitch during this world cup needs no introduction , and likewise, his watch collection is also something to behold. While he has opted to wear one of his less distinctive timepieces with the Rolex Day-Date 36 shown here, it still carries plenty of wrist presence.
This particular Rolex is an off-catalogue piece released during this year’s Watches and Wonders. It features an 18k white gold case with the signature “President” design, complete with the day of the week display at 12 o’clock and the date indication at 3 o’clock alongside the Cyclops window. What makes this model stand out, however, is that beautiful turquoise blue dial, combined with the blue baguette-cut sapphire hour markers. It is elegant and distinctive, yet still more toned down compared to some of Rolex’s other diamond and sapphire offerings, making it the kind of watch you could actually wear daily.
Neymar Jr. (Brasil):
Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph
Reference: 5980/60G-001
Neymar’s 2026 World Cup has been a comeback story rather than headline-grabbing minutes on the pitch. The Brazilian star has been working his way back from an injury that sidelined him for the first few games of the tournament. With Neymar’s presence on the field, Brazil will want him back to doing what he does best to help the team push towards the final. Undoubtedly, he is one of the biggest stars in the team currently, and his off-pitch style is often just as expressive as the football he is known for.
Spotted on his wrist is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph. This timepiece was released as part of the brand’s 2024 novelties and features a striking denim aesthetic. It certainly made waves when it was released, and understandably so, as this Nautilus execution already had people talking. To pair an opaline blue-grey horizontally embossed dial with a matching blue-grey calfskin strap featuring a denim-style motif was certainly not something many would have expected from Patek Philippe. But, as you can see here, Neymar has no problem rocking it with style!
Harry Kane (England)
Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle”
Reference: 128239
At the time of writing this article, Harry Kane comes into this list fresh off another stellar performance in this world cup, scoring twice against DR Congo to rescue England and send them into the Round of 16. Having also enjoyed another prolific season at Bayern Munich, Kane seems to be finding World Cup form at just the right time. As England’s captain and all-time leading figure up front, Kane carries a composed presence on and off the pitch; however, his wristwear might be anything but!
Harry Kane was seen wearing the Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle”, also known as the “Jigsaw”. First released in 2023, it is certainly one of the brand’s bolder timepieces, with a unique dial offering that we are not used to seeing from Rolex. The model takes the classic Day-Date platform and turns it into something completely unexpected. It features inspirational words at 12 o’clock and emojis at 3 o’clock, while the colourful jigsaw-style dial adds a level of personality that we have rarely seen from Rolex.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Hublot Big Bang Integrated King Gold
Reference: 451.OX.1180.OX
Kylian Mbappé has once again made himself one of the highlights of this World Cup, and the central figure of France’s campaign. France topped Group I in dominant fashion, with Mbappé and Dembélé both among the side’s key attacking weapons. With his status as one of the biggest global stars at the moment, his partnership with Hublot is working wonders for the brand.
Seen on Kylian Mbappé’s wrist was the Hublot Big Bang Integral King Gold, a watch that feels perfectly suited to one of football’s biggest names. This Integral model is presented in King Gold, Hublot’s own warmer gold alloy, making it quite the statement piece. Featuring the Big Bang’s signature design, this watch is bold and impossible to ignore, making it a fitting choice for a player of this calibre.
Ousmane Dembélé (France)
Richard Mille RM 72-01 Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph
Reference: RM 72-01
Ousmane Dembélé’s resurgence in the world of football has been a great story. At this World Cup, he is continuing to show the world his upward trajectory, carrying his strong form into France’s front line. Alongside Mbappé, Dembélé helps complete one of the most dangerous and lethal attacking sides in this World Cup. After the numerous injuries Dembélé went through, to now return to world-class form, it seems only fitting that his choice of watch is also world-class!
On Dembélé’s wrist is the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph, a white ceramic masterpiece that showcases the best of the brand without being an overly “show-off” piece. Featuring rose gold elements and paired with a pink strap, this model houses Richard Mille’s first-ever in-house chronograph movement, complete with a flyback mechanism as well. The pink strap choice gives this model a personal touch, while also turning it into something more expressive.
Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)
IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe”
Reference: IW389105
Julian Nagelsmann came into the 2026 World Cup carrying the expectation that always surrounds Germany on the international stage. However, Germany’s campaign ended in disappointment after a penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay in the Round of 32, adding even more pressure to one of football’s most scrutinised managerial roles. Nagelsmann remains one of the game’s most recognisable modern managers, with a sharp and tactical style that naturally extends to his wristwear.
Spotted on Julian Nagelsmann’s wrist was the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition “Lake Tahoe” Ref. IW389105, one of the Swiss watchmaker’s most distinctive modern pilot’s chronographs. The watch features a striking 44.5mm white ceramic case, inspired by the winter landscape around Lake Tahoe and the white uniforms of the U.S. Navy. It creates a stark contrast between the case and dial, with the latter presented in a deep black colour. It is a serious pilot’s watch thanks to its functionality, while also carrying standout looks.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Rolex Daytona “Rainbow”
Reference: 126598RBOW
Cristiano Ronaldo’s World Cup story continues as Portugal prepares for a high-profile knockout clash against Croatia. With Ronaldo facing his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modrić, this match carries the weight of one more chapter between two icons who helped define the modern era of football.
Ronaldo has an extensive watch collection, from the subtle to the more “flex” pieces. His Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” Ref. 116598RBOW certainly falls into the latter category, with its 18k yellow gold case, diamond-set lugs and crown guards, and a bezel set with a full gradient of baguette-cut sapphires. It is loud, colourful, and luxurious, which makes it a very fitting choice for Ronaldo.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Erling Haaland
Reference: P323982A1F1S1
Erling Haaland is firing on all cylinders in this World Cup, delivering one of Norway’s biggest moments of the tournament as he scored the late winner against Ivory Coast to send his country into the Round of 16. The goal took his tournament tally to five and, in doing so, helped set up a blockbuster clash with Brazil. With Haaland leading the way for Norway, his profile continues to grow with every performance. And his off-the-field partnership with Breitling is just as noticeable as his ruthlessness in front of goal.
On Haaland’s wrist is the Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Erling Haaland. This is a limited-edition model that was created as part of the footballer’s partnership with the Swiss watchmaker. Featuring a 40mm stainless steel case, a platinum bezel and a stunning meteorite dial on a black rubber Rouleaux-style strap, it gives the timepiece a sportier feel that suits Haaland’s powerful, modern image perfectly.
Luis de la Fuente (Spain)
IWC Pilot’s Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Oceana Edition
Reference: IW389404
Luis de la Fuente is Spain’s coach at this World Cup, and he has the team looking like one of the tournament’s more composed sides, with Spain topping Group H unbeaten. Spain has carried themselves with the confidence of a side capable of going deep into the tournament. For a manager who often presents himself with calm authority, his choice of wristwear becomes a subtle but telling part of that image
On Luis de la Fuente’s wrist is the IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN “Oceana” Ref. IW389404, a more colourful variant of IWC’s modern ceramic pilot’s chronograph. Released in 2023, the blue hue was developed in collaboration with Pantone, with the colour inspired by the blue overalls worn by the U.S. Navy. Paired with a matching blue dial and rubber strap with denim-finished textile inlay, this “Oceana” edition brings a cleaner and more contemporary personality to the TOP GUN collection.
Mauricio Pochettino (United States)
IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41
Reference: IW344904
Mauricio Pochettino is the current United States manager, and he has already helped deliver a major moment for the nation, guiding the co-hosts past Bosnia and Herzegovina and into the Round of 16. With the USA now preparing for a major test against Belgium, Pochettino’s leadership has become one of the key storylines of the tournament. Known for his composed, polished presence on the touchline, Pochettino’s wristwear feels like a natural extension of his managerial style.
Mauricio Pochettino has been seen wearing the IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 Ref. IW344904. This is one of the standout pieces in the Ingenieur lineup, combining high complication with a timeless design. Released this year, this particular version is crafted from Grade 5 titanium, making it one of the lightest Ingenieur perpetual calendar models in the brand’s lineup. For Pochettino, it feels like a fitting choice: refined, intelligent and quietly serious without needing to shout.