Tom Cruise grabbed attention before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final with an inspirational opening speech. While the Hollywood star praised football and unity, his appearance received mixed reactions online. Even Manchester United legend Roy Keane summed up many fans’ feelings with one blunt question before the match began.
Fans react to Tom Cruise’s Fifa World Cup final speech
Tom Cruise kicked off the FIFA World Cup final with an emotional speech at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, New York. He said, “So as we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together. Let us celebrate each other. This is football, this is unity, this is greatness.”
His speech quickly divided fans on X, formerly Twitter. Some fans appreciated that Cruise referred to the sport as “football” instead of “soccer.” One fan wrote, “Bro just called it Football.”
Another added, “Well at least he doesn’t say soccer.” A third commented, “He called it ‘Football’ I’m satisfied with my love for him even more.” However, many others strongly criticized the speech. One fan posted, “This is ridiculous!!! Please never let the USA host again!!! Such clownery.”
One fan wrote, “Tom Cruise giving the worst, most American speech ever to a crowd full of South Americans and Spanish-speaking fans sums ‘USA’ up.” Others also questioned why the actor was speaking before the biggest match in football.
Roy Keane also delivered a memorable reaction during ITV’s live coverage. As Cruise appeared on screen before kickoff, the Manchester United legend jokingly asked, “He isn’t going to sing, is he?” His comment quickly spread online, with many fans sharing the same feeling.
Cruise joined several stars during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final’s opening ceremony. Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, Post Malone, Jennifer Hudson, and influencer IShowSpeed also entertained the fans before kickoff.
The ceremony pushed the match back by several minutes while workers removed the stage from the pitch. The final also introduced the FIFA World Cup’s first-ever halftime show. Madonna, Shakira, and BTS led the 27-minute performance with Justin Bieber, Burna Boy, and Coldplay joining them.
Millions of fans watched the halftime show, but many football fans and experts criticized its unusually long break. The match saw Spain defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup and lift the trophy for the second time.
FC Barcelona forward Ferran Torres scored the only goal in the 106th minute after Enzo Fernández’s red card reduced Argentina to 10 players.
