David Beckham was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the sports entertainment category on June 13, the same day the 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in Los Angeles [1, 2]. The ceremony featured a green soccer-themed pitch carpet replacing the usual red carpet to mark the occasion [2]. Beckham was joined by his wife, Victoria Beckham, and their children Romeo, Cruz, and Harper [1].
Actor Tom Cruise, a longtime friend of Beckham, praised him during the event, calling his career "a Hollywood story of hard work, determination and global influence on sport and culture" [1, 2]. Beckham said, "I’ve always been a dreamer, but I could never have imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me." He added, "To stand here in front of my friend Tom Cruise, the greatest movie star of our time, is quite frankly mind-blowing." He also thanked Cruise, saying, "You welcomed us to LA 20 years ago, and you have been a loyal friend and an inspiration to me ever since." [2]
Beckham played for the LA Galaxy soccer team for six seasons starting in 2007 and remains active in the sport as a co-owner of Inter Miami [2].
The World Cup opening day included multiple celebrities attending or performing, such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Halle Berry, Rob Lowe, Owen Wilson, Paris Hilton, and Katy Perry [2, 3]. Katy Perry performed her song "Wonder" before the USA's opening match against Paraguay and watched the game alongside her partner, former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau [2, 3]. The USA won 4-1 in front of the home crowd and celebrity guests including Beckham, Tom Cruise, and Victoria Beckham [2, 3].
Elsewhere, Shakira performed the official World Cup anthem "Dai Dai" at the opening ceremony in Mexico City [3]. In Toronto, Ryan Reynolds was spotted cheering for Canada in their 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina [3].
David Beckham posted on Instagram congratulating the USA team and coach Pochettino while praising the tournament's start [3].
