The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and it is going to be a huge deal here in North America. We are talking about the biggest sporting event on the planet landing right on our doorstep, spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. But this isn’t just about soccer. It is also about big business, and American celebrities are not sitting on the sidelines. They are making serious moves, from owning teams to becoming official ambassadors, showing that they are not just fans but active players in this massive global spectacle.
You might think of celebrities mainly as people who endorse products, or just show up to games in VIP boxes. But with the 2026 World Cup generating a projected $40.9 billion in global GDP and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, the smart money is looking for real opportunities. This tournament is a landmark event for live entertainment and it is attracting attention from all corners, including Hollywood and the sports investment world.
Beyond the Stands: Celebs Investing in Soccer
One of the clearest trends we are seeing is American celebrities investing directly in soccer clubs. It is not just a hobby, either; it is a serious business move. Take Lionel Messi, for example. He recently announced the full purchase of Unió Esportiva Cornellà, a Spanish club, and his move to MLS’s Inter Miami included shares in new MLS Season Pass subscriptions on Apple TV and Adidas merchandise sales. This shows how top athletes are expanding their financial interests beyond playing.
But it is not just soccer legends. Hollywood is getting in on the action too. Ryan Reynolds, along with Rob McElhenney and Eva Longoria, became famous for co-owning Welsh club Wrexham. Longoria also has stakes in Club Necaxa in Mexico and La Equidad in Colombia. These are not small investments, and they show a clear strategy to be involved in the global game, which will only grow with the 2026 World Cup.
The trend extends to women’s soccer, which is booming in the US. Natalie Portman co-founded Angel City FC, a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club, in 2020. Other big names like Serena Williams, Eva Longoria, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Garner are also investors in Angel City FC. Reese Witherspoon and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the NBA star, both own stakes in Nashville SC. These investments highlight a belief in the sport’s growth, especially with the World Cup bringing so much attention to soccer in America.
Even former NFL stars are getting involved. J.J. Watt and his wife, Kealia, became minority investors in Premier League club Burnley. Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, has stakes in Sporting Kansas City. These are strategic plays, positioning these stars and their portfolios to capitalize on the increased visibility and fan engagement that a major event like the FIFA 2026 World Cup brings. They are not just cheering from the sidelines anymore; they are owners.
The Star-Studded Kick-Off: Celebrity Roles in FIFA 2026 Events
The 2026 World Cup is already a celebrity magnet, even before the first whistle blows. FIFA itself is making sure of it. The official Final Draw for the FIFA World Cup 2026, held in Washington DC, featured global icons like Heidi Klum and Kevin Hart as co-hosts. Actor Danny Ramirez engaged with football greats, bringing Hollywood flair to the event. Musical performances from Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and the Village People added to the spectacle.
The host cities are also rolling out the red carpet for famous faces. Atlanta, for instance, created a celebrity-packed video welcoming the world to FIFA World Cup 2026, featuring 18 local icons from music, sports, film, and business. This includes names like Ciara, Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and Ryan Seacrest. Their involvement helps capture the city’s energy and hospitality, making it feel truly special.
In Los Angeles, the host committee’s official World Cup kickoff party saw actors Will Ferrell and Brendan Hunt, American soccer legend Mia Hamm, and Eva Longoria among the attendees. These celebrities are serving as community ambassadors for the Los Angeles portion of the celebrations. James Corden is even set to host a new late-night show, “FIFA World Cup on FOX After Hours with James Corden,” throughout the tournament, bringing his comedic style to discuss the day’s games.
The opening ceremonies across the three host nations will be a huge show of star power. Mexico City will see Shakira and Burna Boy headline, performing the official tournament anthem. Latin music royalty like J Balvin, Alejandro Fernández, and Belinda will also perform. In Los Angeles, Katy Perry, Future, LISA of BLACKPINK, and Anitta are scheduled to perform. Toronto will host Michael Bublé, Alanis Morissette, and Alessia Cara. These performances ensure the World Cup is not just a sports event, but a global entertainment spectacle.
From Endorsements to Experiences: Capitalizing on the World Cup Buzz
The sheer scale of the FIFA 2026 World Cup means huge opportunities for businesses, and celebrities are right there to capitalize on it. We are talking about billions of dollars in advertising revenue and significant boosts to the hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors in host cities. For celebrities, this means a chance to expand their brands and ventures.
Many stars already own restaurants, hotels, or fashion lines. With millions of visitors expected in cities like Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Atlanta, these celebrity-owned businesses are perfectly positioned to benefit from the increased foot traffic and spending. The demand for luxury sports hospitality is also booming, with companies offering extravagant packages that include experiences like brunch with Tom Brady or private concerts. Celebrities with ties to these high-end experiences stand to gain a lot.
Beyond direct ownership, brand partnerships are a massive part of the World Cup economy. Major corporations like Adidas, Coca-Cola, and Visa are global FIFA partners, investing huge sums for visibility. Nordstrom and Adidas have already launched a nationwide retail experience across US host cities, offering World Cup-inspired fashion and merchandise. Celebrities often have lucrative deals with these types of brands, and the World Cup provides an even bigger platform for these collaborations to shine. The tournament is projected to generate about $10 billion in advertising revenue in the United States alone.
The World Cup is not just a series of games. It is a cultural phenomenon. It will drive unprecedented domestic and global attention to US live events, creating a spillover effect across the entire entertainment ecosystem. This means more eyes on everything associated with the event, including celebrity projects, media appearances, and social media content. For content creators and influencers, FIFA is even sponsoring $2 billion, showing the value placed on broader engagement beyond traditional media.
What This Means for Fans and the Game
When American celebrities get involved in the FIFA 2026 World Cup, it changes the game for fans too. For one, it elevates the profile of soccer in the United States. Many Americans might not follow soccer closely, but they certainly know Hollywood stars and famous athletes from other sports. When Tom Brady helps with the draw, or Will Ferrell becomes an ambassador, it grabs attention that might otherwise have missed the soccer news.
This star power transforms the World Cup into a multi-week cultural festival, not just a tournament. You can expect luxury suites, influencer activations, streaming collaborations, and brand integrations to be everywhere. Fans will have more ways to engage, from watching late-night shows to experiencing fan zones with live entertainment. It makes the event feel bigger, more accessible, and more broadly appealing. This type of broad cultural engagement is what makes an event truly resonate and leave a lasting impression.
The economic impact is also expected to be significant, with FIFA estimating a $40.9 billion boost to global GDP and $17.2 billion in the US alone. This means better infrastructure, more jobs, and a stronger local economy in the host cities. It is a chance for these cities to showcase themselves as global destinations, attracting future tourism and investment. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is truly a unique moment for North America.
Final Thoughts on the Celebrity World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is shaping up to be more than just a soccer tournament. It is a massive stage where sports, entertainment, and business collide. American celebrities are not just buying tickets; they are buying into the game, investing in clubs, hosting major events, and leveraging their influence to create a truly unforgettable experience. This level of celebrity involvement ensures that the 2026 World Cup will not just be a sporting spectacle, but a cultural landmark that leaves a lasting impact on American soccer and the entertainment world.