Not only were there heroes on the pitch during the 2026 World Cup final, but there were also a number of public characters at the heart of the discourse in the stands and on social media.
Among them was Mia Khalifa, whose position throughout the tournament had previously caused controversy among Argentine supporters and who was present at the pivotal encounter between Argentina and Spain.
Before the final, the influencer had made it apparent on social media that she was in favour of Spain, which soon sparked discussion among supporters of both nations.
After celebrating Spain’s victory, Mia found herself in the public eye once more. This led to a barrage of abuse and remarks from Argentine supporters who didn’t agree with her position.
Beyond the football rivalry, the episode once again demonstrated how the World Cup is experienced off the pitch, where any celebration, gesture, or post has the potential to go viral in a matter of minutes.
Do you believe that celebrities have the freedom to support whoever they choose, or should they refrain from participating in these rivalries?
