Matt Damon mistaken for Brad Pitt in viral FIFA World Cup final mix-up

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY: Matt Damon attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 final on Sunday, July 19, but he was mistakenly identified as Brad Pitt by Fox Sports announcer John Strong in a viral clip.

The final was played between Spain and Argentina at East Rutherford, New Jersey

Matt Damon attends FIFA World Cup final

Many Hollywood A-listers, including Beyonce, Jay-Z, Tom Cruise, Mick Jagger, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Blake Lively, and Kevin Hart, attended the match.

'The Odyssey' star was among them and was accompanied by his wife, Luciana Barroso.

John Strong mistakes Matt Damon for Brad Pitt

A viral clip showed Damon watching the match from the stands as Strong was heard saying, “Brad Pitt among the fans here.” 

However, he was quickly corrected by his colleague, Stu Holden, who said, “That’s Matt Damon!”

Strong then asked Holden to “take the rest of these guys,” referring to the other celebrities in attendance, before adding, “I missed an absolute sitter, so I’m done."

Tom Cruise opens FIFA World Cup final

The July 19 final, which featured performances by Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, and Jennifer Hudson, ended with Spain claiming its first World Cup title since 2010.

The event's pre-show was opened by Cruise.

He said in a speech, “More than 30 days ago, eight nations began a journey. They crossed oceans, they crossed borders, they crossed cultures, and together they showed us why this game belongs to the world.”

“We have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy. Moments of hope, moments we will all never forget. Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people, that turns strangers into friends, and reminds us of what we all have in common,” the 64-year-old stated.

Cruise also highlighted the importance of unity, adding, “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. And this, this is greatness.”

Matt Damon and wife backed Argentina

Meanwhile, Damon's film producer wife supported Argentina during the match, as she is originally from Buenos Aires.

After Argentina defeated England to reach the final, Damon and his wife celebrated so enthusiastically that they “scared our dogs. Like, our dogs were in hiding. They did not know what was happening,” Damon told Seth Meyers during an episode of Late Night.