New Delhi: Actor Tom Cruise’s appearance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey grabbed attention for a single word—‘football’. Calling the sport “football” instead of the American-favoured “soccer,” the Hollywood star sparked debate online.
Addressing thousands of fans during the closing ceremony, 64-year-old Cruise said, “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. This is greatness.”
The “football” versus “soccer” debate has existed for decades. Although both terms originated in Britain, “football” became the dominant term worldwide, while “soccer” remained the preferred term in countries such as the US and Canada. FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, officially uses the term “football”.
The internet is flooded with people’s reactions to the discourse.
“Tom Cruise may not have kicked a ball, but he perfectly captured what football means to the world. That closing line! This is football. This is unity. And this… this is greatness,” an X user posted.
Another user claimed that it was the end of the debate between soccer and football, posting, “It’s over GG the argument is finally settled.”
Cruise also reflected on the month-long competition, saying that more than 30 days ago, 48 nations began a journey by crossing oceans, showing why the game belongs to the world and to every corner of it.
“Football is a language spoken without words,” Cruise said, describing the sport as one that unites people beyond borders and cultures.
Also read: Donald Trump’s World Cup stage-moment with Spain sparks memes
Tom Cruise and ‘football’
Warner Bros have shared a 20-second promotional clip featuring Tom Cruise in his avatar from Digger. In the video, Cruise’s character, Digger Rockwell, is seen juggling a football while his favourite cat sits on his shoulder.
Directed by Alejandro, the film stars Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an oil mafia boss whose company triggers an ecological disaster with the potential to spark a nuclear war. Warner Bros. describes the film as “a comedy of catastrophic proportions.”
Fans around the world have flooded the internet by reacting to the promotional clip
“Tom Cruise keeps raising the bar with every film. Can’t wait!!” a X user posted.
While another X user posted that “Tom Cruise aging out of action roles and returning to comedy is just what Hollywood needs,” another user wrote.
The film also stars Jesse Plemons, Sandra Huller, Riz Ahmed, and Sophie Wilde. The first trailer will be released on 13 July, while the film is set to arrive in theatres on 2 October.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)