Novak Djokovic Eyes World Cup Final in New Jersey
Novak Djokovic, the acclaimed tennis player, is anticipated to be among the distinguished guests at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The event, set to feature Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, against Spain, will take place in New Jersey, presenting a unique crossover of global sporting figures.
Reports from Tennis World USA indicate that the 24-time Grand Slam laureate is scheduled to be in the United States for prior engagements unrelated to his tennis career. This pre-existing travel plan opens the door for him to extend his stay and witness one of the planet's most significant athletic showdowns. The final is slated for July 19th at 3:00 p.m. ET, and Djokovic would likely observe the match from an exclusive VIP section of MetLife Stadium.
Djokovic's affinity for football has been well-established over the years, but his particular connection with Lionel Messi adds an intriguing dimension to his potential presence at the World Cup final. The two athletes, both celebrated as titans in their respective disciplines, have previously met on several occasions, fostering a mutual respect.
Notably, Messi attended one of Djokovic's matches during the 2025 Miami Open, where Djokovic secured a semifinal victory over Grigor Dimitrov. At the time, Messi was playing for Inter Miami and watched Djokovic's commanding performance at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. After the match, Djokovic expressed his profound honor at playing before Messi, acknowledging his long-standing admiration for the Argentine star and noting their shared birth year, which he found "nice to have him around."
Djokovic has consistently demonstrated his high regard for Messi, even when placed in a selection game by ATP Tour and Overtime during the Monte Carlo Masters week. When asked to choose between some of the most famous athletes, including NFL legend Tom Brady, with whom Djokovic shares a personal relationship, he humorously but decisively chose Messi. This preference extended even to a hypothetical choice between himself and the Argentine footballer, with Djokovic once again selecting Messi, underscoring his deep respect.
This prospective attendance at the World Cup final falls within Djokovic's brief respite following his recent Wimbledon campaign. He reached the semifinals of the All England Club, overcoming Felix Auger-Aliassime in a demanding five-set quarterfinal before being defeated by Jannik Sinner for the second consecutive year. Before his journey across the Atlantic, Djokovic was in Bosnia and Herzegovina, participating in the inauguration of Ivan Dodig’s new tennis center alongside other prominent figures in the sport.
Djokovic is now focusing on his preparations for the North American hard-court circuit, which precedes the US Open, where he aims to pursue another Grand Slam title. However, before fully immersing himself in tennis, he has the potential to indulge in another grand sporting event, offering a glimpse into his broader athletic interests and his admiration for football and its global icon, Lionel Messi.