Watch Spotting: The Most Interesting Timepieces of the 2026 World Cup
The FIFA World Cup is where the world’s greatest footballers compete for the sport’s biggest prize, but in recent years, it’s also become an unexpected showcase for some of the finest watches in existence. From team arrivals and press conferences to post-match interviews, players are increasingly using the global stage to express their personal style, with luxury timepieces becoming as much a part of their image as the boots they wear on the pitch.
This year’s tournament has already delivered an impressive lineup of wristwear. From diamond-encrusted Rolexes and colourful statement pieces to ultra-exclusive independent watchmaking, the watches spotted off the pitch are as diverse as the players themselves. Whether it’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s unapologetic extravagance, Lionel Messi’s understated exclusivity or Casemiro’s appreciation for independent horology, each timepiece offers a glimpse into the personality of the player wearing it.
Here are some of the most interesting watches we’ve spotted at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Neymar Jr. - Rolex Lady-Datejust 28 in Yellow Gold (Ref. 27945RBR)
Even from the sidelines, Neymar knows how to steal the spotlight. Forced to watch Brazil’s opening match through injury, the Brazilian superstar arrived wearing one of the most extravagant Rolex models in recent memory: the Lady-Datejust 28 in yellow gold.
This isn’t your typical Datejust. However, the 28mm case, President bracelet and dial are set with an astonishing 931 brilliant-cut diamonds, while black Roman numerals provide a bold contrast against the sea of sparkling stones. Despite being part of Rolex’s traditionally feminine Lady-Datejust collection, the watch perfectly reflects Neymar’s fearless approach to style, where conventional rules take a back seat to making a statement.
While many players gravitate towards understated sports watches, Neymar continues to embrace bold, gem-set creations that are impossible to ignore, and this diamond-covered Lady-Datejust may just be his most eye-catching World Cup wristwear yet.
Cristiano Ronaldo - Rolex Cosmograph Daytona "Rainbow" (Ref. 116598RBOW)
If there’s one player who can pull off one of Rolex’s boldest creations, it’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Arriving at this year’s World Cup, the Portuguese icon was spotted wearing the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona “Rainbow” (Ref. 116598RBOW), a watch that’s every bit as extravagant as its name suggests.
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, the Daytona “Rainbow” is instantly recognisable by its bezel, which is set with a perfectly graduated spectrum of multicoloured sapphires. Diamond-set lugs, diamond hour markers and a shimmering mother-of-pearl dial only add to the spectacle, transforming one of Rolex’s most coveted sports watches into a full-fledged high jewellery piece.
While the Daytona is already one of the most desirable watches in Rolex’s catalogue, the “Rainbow” takes exclusivity and craftsmanship to another level. It’s a watch that demands attention, making it a fitting choice for Ronaldo, whose larger-than-life presence extends well beyond the football pitch. Few timepieces capture his unapologetically luxurious style quite as perfectly as the Rainbow Daytona.
Harry Kane: Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle” (Ref. 128239-0056)
Harry Kane delivered one of the tournament’s most unexpected wrist checks with the Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle” Ref. 128239-0056, a watch that breaks away from nearly every convention associated with the traditionally conservative Day-Date collection.
Crafted in 18k white gold, the “Puzzle” replaces conventional hour markers with brightly coloured puzzle-piece motifs, while the iconic day display swaps weekdays for uplifting words such as “Hope,” “Love,” “Peace” and “Faith.” The result is one of the most playful and unconventional watches Rolex has released in recent years, offering a refreshing contrast to the brand’s typically restrained design language.
While Kane is often associated with understated style, his choice of the Day-Date “Puzzle” shows there’s still room for personality within a serious watch collection. It’s a rare Rolex that doesn’t rely on precious stones or complicated mechanics to stand out, instead, it captures attention through creativity, colour and a willingness to do something completely different.
Lionel Messi – Rolex Day-Date 36 (Ref. 128239-0083)
No World Cup watch roundup would be complete without Lionel Messi. Arriving in Auburn, Alabama, with Argentina as they began their pursuit of a second consecutive World Cup title, the Argentine captain was spotted wearing one of the rarest modern Rolex references: the off-catalog Day-Date 36 (Ref. 128239-0083).
Crafted in 18k white gold, the watch features a stunning natural turquoise stone dial paired with baguette-cut blue sapphire hour markers, all set against Rolex’s iconic President bracelet. As an off-catalog model, it isn’t available through Rolex’s standard catalogue, making it an exceptionally exclusive piece reserved for the brand’s most valued clients.
While many of the tournament’s standout watches leaned towards bold gemstones and extravagant designs, Messi’s Day-Date strikes a more refined balance. The vibrant turquoise dial adds plenty of character without sacrificing elegance, reflecting the Argentine legend’s understated approach to luxury. It’s a watch that’s exceptionally rare yet never feels like it’s trying too hard, much like Messi himself.
Kylian Mbappé - Hublot Big Bang Seddiqi Limited Edition
Before etching his name into the history books by becoming France’s all-time leading goalscorer, Kylian Mbappé arrived at this year’s World Cup wearing one of Hublot’s rarest modern releases: the Big Bang Seddiqi Limited Edition in titanium.
Introduced during Dubai Watch Week 2025, the watch was created to celebrate the longstanding partnership between Hublot and Ahmed Seddiqi & Sons, the family-owned luxury retailer behind the event. Limited to just 25 pieces, the titanium edition features a contemporary monochrome aesthetic complemented by a dial with Arabic numerals and a self-winding movement fitted with a solid gold oscillating weight engraved with the exclusive Seddiqi logo.
Retailing for around US$25,200, the watch is considerably more understated than many of the gem-set pieces seen throughout the tournament, but its rarity makes it no less desirable. As one of Hublot’s global ambassadors, Mbappé’s choice feels especially fitting, combining cutting-edge materials, exclusivity and modern design in a watch that reflects the French superstar’s dynamic style both on and off the pitch.
Casemiro - F.P. Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt
While many players opted for familiar names like Rolex and Patek Philippe, Casemiro stood out with a choice that appealed to seasoned collectors: the F.P. Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt.
At first glance, the Élégante appears understated, but beneath its minimalist design lies one of the most innovative movements in modern watchmaking. Powered by an electro-mechanical calibre, the watch automatically enters standby mode after being left unworn and instantly reactivates when motion is detected, significantly extending battery life without compromising precision.
It’s an unconventional choice that reflects an appreciation for independent haute horlogerie rather than mainstream luxury. In a tournament dominated by diamond-set sports watches, Casemiro’s F.P. Journe proves that true watch collecting isn’t always about making the loudest statement—sometimes, it’s about recognising exceptional craftsmanship and ingenious engineering.
The Final Whistle
While the World Cup will ultimately be remembered for its goals, trophies and defining moments on the pitch, it’s also become one of the biggest stages for watch enthusiasts to see rare and remarkable timepieces in the wild. This year’s tournament has showcased everything from playful Rolex creations and gem-set showpieces to highly collectible independent watches, proving there’s no single formula for a great collection.
More importantly, the watches reflect the personalities behind them. Some players favour bold designs that command attention, while others gravitate towards quiet exclusivity and technical innovation. Together, they demonstrate that modern football and luxury watchmaking have never been more closely intertwined. As the tournament progresses, there’s every chance we’ll see even more standout pieces making headlines long before the final whistle.
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