The past month leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been memorable in many ways, both during the 102 games played so far, and as a cultural moment (as a Texan, I still can't get over the videos of Japanese tourists being blown away by the concept of free chips and salsa), and, of course, there has been plenty of solid watch spotting to be had along the way. As we're gearing up for Spain and Argentina to go head-to-head in the finals this weekend, it feels fitting to look back at all the killer watches the finest players of the sport have been seen wearing off the field.
Lionel Messi - Rolex Day-Date Ref. 228235JG Jubilee Gold
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The GOAT of Argentina was spotted wearing a new-for-2026 version of the Day-Date. This model is in The Crown's proprietary Jubilee Gold alloy that launched earlier this year and features a light green Aventurine dial and baguette-cut diamond indices.
Kylian Mbappé - Hulot Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé Edition
France's Mbappé has been a Hublot ambassador since 2018, so it's only logical for the player to be seen wearing that brand around regularly. Here, he wears his own take on the Big Bang Reloaded, which was just released this May, and is a limited edition of 200 pieces.
Antonio Rüdiger - Richard Mille RM 67-02 Sébastien Ogier
Image via Instagram.
When there's a big sports event going on, there's no doubt that some Richard Mille watches will make an appearance. Germany star Rüdiger's special edition of the RM 67-02 was among the most memorable.
Erling Haaland - Breitling Chronomat B01 Erling Haaland Limited Edition
Given that Norway's Erling Haaland is a Breitling ambassador, it only makes sense for the player to be repping the brand. Specifically, he was snapped wearing a limited-edition Chronomat made specially for him — 18k red gold case and bracelet, meteorite dial, and all.
Lautaro Martínez - Patek Philippe Nautilus Travel Time 5990
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Lamine Yamal - Rolex Daytona Ref. 126505
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Kevin De Bruyne - Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton
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Harry Kane - Rolex Day-Date 36 "Puzzle" Ref. 128239
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England's Kane was spotted wearing the white gold "Puzzle" limited-edition rendition of the Day-Date 36, which initially dropped back in 2023. Still one of the most fun expressions of the classic design around, in my opinion.
Enzo Fernandez - Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 15510
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Simply a classic. Can't go wrong.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Rolex "Rainbow" Mother-of-Pearl Daytona Ref. 116528
While there are quite a few Daytonas on this list, the "Crown" has to go to Cristiano Ronaldo's rare aftermarket reference with a MOP dial and rainbow baguette-cut sapphires on the bezel, which he was first spotted rocking back in 2025.
Luis de la Fuente (Spain Team Manager) - IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph 41 TOP GUN Oceana
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The head coach of Spain's national team was seen rocking this limited edition on the sidelines during practice. The specific shade of blue used throughout was actually developed with the color experts at Pantone for this one, and the case is all ceramic.
David Raya - Rolex Daytona Ref. 116506
This ice-blue-and-chocolate combo take on the Daytona has proven to be quite popular among World Cup athletes. You'll have to keep reading to see who besides the Spain player wore it...
Noah Okafor - Audemars Piguet Double Balancier Openworked Ceramic Ref. 15416CE
Image via Instagram.
Playing for Switzerland, Noah Okafor casually wore this openworked iteration of one of the most coveted integrated-bracelet watches of all time. Big fan of the sunglasses-and-bag combo, too.
Mauricio Pochettino (Argentina Team Manager) - IWC Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar 41 Ref. IW344904
Achraf Hakimi- Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5168G-010
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Ahmed Reda Tagnaouti - Hublot Classic Fusion Titanium
Image via Instagram.
Ferran Torres - Rolex Daytona Ref. 116506
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Another Daytona Ref. 116506, as promised.
Didier Deschamps (France Team Manager) - Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue Ceramic
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