FIFA World Cup 2026: The Watches Worn by Top Players
Shortly before the FIFA World Cup 2026 began on Thursday, elite players from around the world arrived in North America wearing some of the most coveted and exclusive watches in modern horology.
By Sébastien Aeberli
Design, Content & Social Media
As teams touched down across North America for the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026 this past Thursday, another competition was quietly unfolding away from the pitch. From private terminals and team hotels to media appearances and training arrivals, football’s biggest stars were showcasing some of the most impressive watches in modern horology.
Luxury watches have become part of the modern footballer’s identity – an extension of personal style, success, and individuality. And this year’s arrivals have already delivered an exceptional mix of rare Richard Mille creations, gem-set Rolexes, haute horlogerie masterpieces from Patek Philippe, and unexpected collector favorites from independent watchmakers.
Here are the standout watches we spotted as players arrived in Mexico, Canada, and the United States from around the globe.
Ousmane Dembélé (FRA): Richard Mille RM 72-01 Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph
Fresh off another remarkable season playing for Paris Saint-Germain F.C., Ousmane Dembélé arrived wearing the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Automatic Winding Lifestyle Flyback Chronograph.
Unlike the brand’s more aggressively sporty models, the RM 72-01 balances technical performance with everyday versatility. Plus, its in-house flyback chronograph movement and distinctive tonneau-shaped case make it one of the most wearable Richard Mille references currently available.
Kylian Mbappé (FRA): Hublot Big Bang Integrated King Gold
As one of football’s biggest global ambassadors, Kylian Mbappé continued his close relationship with Hublot when he was spotted wearing the Big Bang Integrated King Gold Ref. 451.OX.1180.OX.
Crafted from Hublot’s proprietary King Gold alloy, the watch combines bold architecture with an integrated bracelet, creating a powerful statement that perfectly matches Mbappé’s status as one of the faces of the tournament.
Désiré Doué (FRA): Rolex Day-Date 40 with Baguette-Cut Diamonds
One of football’s rising stars, Désiré Doué opted for pure luxury with a Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228235-0003.
Featuring baguette-cut diamond hour markers and Rolex’s signature President bracelet, the watch embodies prestige and refinement while reflecting the confidence of a player rapidly establishing himself among Europe’s elite.
Ibrahima Konaté (FRA): Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phases
Ibrahima Konaté arrived wearing one of the most respected modern sports watches ever produced: the Patek Philippe Nautilus Moon Phases Ref. 5712/1A-001.
The asymmetrical dial layout, moonphase complication, and stainless-steel construction have made the 5712 a collector favorite and one of the most sought-after Nautilus references worldwide.
Cristiano Ronaldo (POR): Rolex Daytona “Rainbow”
Cristiano Ronaldo never shies away from making a statement, and the watch he wore for his arrival at this year’s tournament – the Rolex Daytona “Rainbow” Ref. 116598RBOW – was no exception.
With a yellow-gold case and bracelet, the Ref. 116598RBOW features a bezel set with a whole rainbow of multicolored sapphires, diamond-set lugs and indices, and a mother-of-pearl dial. Few watches capture Ronaldo’s flair for maximum luxury better than this modern Rolex icon.
Rúben Dias (POR): Richard Mille RM 67-01 Extra Flat
Manchester City’s defensive leader Rúben Dias showcased a penchant for understated technical sophistication with his choice of the Richard Mille RM 67-01 Automatic Winding Extra Flat.
Known for its slim profile and exceptional comfort, the RM 67-01 represents a more discreet side of Richard Mille while maintaining the brand's unmistakable contemporary design language.
Harry Kane (ENG): Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle”
Harry Kane delivered one of the tournament’s most unexpected wrist checks with the Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle” Ref. 128239-0056.
Featuring colorful puzzle-inspired hour markers and motivational words replacing traditional day displays, it is among the most playful and unconventional releases Rolex has produced in recent years.
Ollie Watkins (ENG): Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked
Ollie Watkins arrived wearing the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Ref. 15407ST.OO.1220ST.02.
The fully skeletonized dial reveals the brand’s patented double-balance system, blending technical innovation with the instantly recognizable Royal Oak design.
Neymar Jr. (BRA): Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph
Neymar Jr. continued to demonstrate his appreciation for high-end sports watches with the Patek Philippe Nautilus Flyback Chronograph Ref. 5980/60G-001.
Combining the elegance of the Nautilus design with a sophisticated flyback chronograph complication, it remains one of the strongest references in the modern Patek Philippe lineup.
Casemiro (BRA): F.P.Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt
Among the most surprising sightings was Casemiro’s F.P.Journe Élégante 48mm Titalyt.
Originally designed around an innovative electro-mechanical movement, the Élégante automatically enters standby mode when not worn and reactivates when movement is detected. It is a collector’s choice that reflects a deeper appreciation for independent watchmaking.
Achraf Hakimi (MAR): Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce “Rainbow” Chronograph
Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi brought color and exclusivity with the Patek Philippe Aquanaut Luce Rainbow Chronograph Ref. 7968/300R-001.
Featuring a rainbow-set bezel and matching gemstone accents, it transforms the traditionally sporty Aquanaut into a vibrant high-jewelry statement piece.
Antonio Rüdiger (GER): Richard Mille RM 67-02 “Italy”
Antonio Rüdiger was spotted wearing the Richard Mille RM 67-02 Automatic Winding Extra Flat “Italy.”
Developed with athletes in mind, the RM 67-02 is among the lightest automatic watches in luxury watchmaking, combining extreme comfort with advanced materials engineering.
Florian Wirtz (GER): Rolex Daytona
Florian Wirtz kept things classic with the Rolex Daytona Ref. 126505-0001.
Crafted in Everose gold, the modern Daytona remains one of the most recognizable and desirable chronographs in the world, equally appreciated by athletes and collectors.
Enzo Fernández (ARG): Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Selfwinding with Baguette-Cut Diamonds
Enzo Fernández chose a Royal Oak Selfwinding Ref. 15510BC.OO.1320BC.01 featuring baguette-cut diamonds throughout the bezel and dial.
The piece combines Audemars Piguet’s iconic sports-watch design with high-jewelry execution, creating an unmistakably luxurious presence.
Rodrigo De Paul (ARG): Audemars Piguet Vintage Bamboo
Never afraid to stand out, Rodrigo De Paul arrived with one of the most distinctive vintage pieces spotted so far: the Audemars Piguet Bamboo.
Its sculptural bracelet design and unconventional aesthetic make it a rare collector’s piece that differs dramatically from today’s mainstream luxury sports watches.
Lionel Messi (ARG): Rolex Day-Date 36
No World Cup watch roundup would be complete without Lionel Messi. He arrived in Auburn, Alabama, with the Argentinian team, ready to begin the quest for #LaCuarta and back-to-back World Cup glory.
On his wrist was the ultra-rare off-catalog Rolex Day-Date 36 Ref. 128239-0083 in 18k white gold, featuring a natural turquoise stone dial and baguette-cut blue sapphire markers on the iconic President bracelet.
Erling Haaland (NOR): Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland naturally chose a watch bearing his own name: the Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 Erling Haaland.
Featuring a meteorite dial, this watch’s details and design elements were inspired by the Norwegian striker, making it one of the most personal and exclusive watches seen during tournament arrivals.
Kevin De Bruyne (BEL): Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton
Kevin De Bruyne showcased pure haute horlogerie with the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton Ref. 6000V/210T-B935.
Combining a fully openworked movement with an integrated titanium bracelet and tourbillon complication, it represents one of the most technically impressive watches spotted so far.
Noah Okafor (SUI): Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Ceramic
Noah Okafor rounds out this list with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel Openworked Ceramic Ref. 15416CE.OO.1225CE.01.
Crafted entirely from black ceramic and featuring a skeletonized movement, it merges cutting-edge materials with one of Audemars Piguet’s most celebrated calibers.
