David and Victoria Beckham presented a united family front as they attended the 2026 FIFA World Cup final alongside sons Romeo and Cruz, but one familiar face was once again missing from the family gathering.

The Beckhams were among a host of celebrities inside New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday as Spain defeated Argentina to lift the World Cup trophy after Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time.

While David, Victoria, Romeo, Cruz and their respective partners soaked up the atmosphere from the stands, eldest son Brooklyn Beckham chose to watch the showpiece match from home with wife Nicola Peltz, further highlighting the ongoing rift that has overshadowed the famous family for much of the past year.

It marked another major family occasion that Brooklyn did not attend, despite living in the United States, where the tournament has been staged over the past five weeks.

David, 51, looked every inch the football icon in a tailored dark suit as he arrived with Victoria, 52, who cut a sophisticated figure in a crisp white ensemble after remaining in America instead of travelling back to Britain for Mel C’s wedding over the weekend.

The couple were joined by Romeo Beckham, 23, and his girlfriend Kim Turnbull, 25, while Cruz Beckham, 21, attended alongside girlfriend Jackie Apostel, 30.

The younger Beckham brothers appeared relaxed as they posed for photographs before kick-off, with Romeo wrapping an affectionate arm around his mother while Cruz stayed close to Jackie throughout the evening.

Victoria was also seen placing a reassuring hand on David’s shoulder as the family waited for the biggest match in world football to begin.

After England’s heartbreaking semi-final exit just days earlier, the Beckhams had every reason to simply enjoy the spectacle rather than endure another emotionally charged evening.

David had followed England throughout the tournament in his role as one of football’s most recognisable ambassadors, travelling across the United States to support the Three Lions’ quest for World Cup glory.

That dream ended in painful fashion when Argentina produced a dramatic late comeback to eliminate England in Atlanta.

The former England captain was visibly emotional after the final whistle, with Cruz consoling his father in a touching moment that quickly spread across social media.

Many viewers praised the heartfelt exchange between father and son, describing it as one of the tournament’s most genuine off-field moments.

Despite the disappointment, the Beckham family returned to MetLife Stadium for the final between Spain and Argentina.

David faced an unusual dilemma heading into the match.

Having spent four successful seasons with Real Madrid, he has long maintained a deep affection for Spanish football. At the same time, he now works closely with Lionel Messi through Inter Miami, making it difficult to choose between the finalists.

Asked before the game who he expected to win, Beckham admitted he was unable to separate his loyalties.

He praised Spain for the football they had produced throughout the tournament while also describing Messi as not only an exceptional player but an exceptional person.

Rather than predicting a winner, Beckham joked that he would simply “sit on the fence” and enjoy the occasion.

His diplomatic answer drew playful boos from the audience during the fan event, prompting laughter from Beckham and Brazilian legend Kaka, who was sitting beside him.

“I haven’t been booed for a while,” Beckham joked. “I wasn’t expecting it here.”

The light-hearted exchange contrasted sharply with the emotions he experienced following England’s elimination only days earlier.

Meanwhile, Brooklyn Beckham remained absent from the family celebrations.

Instead, Nicola Peltz shared a glimpse of the couple watching the final together at home, posting a photograph showing Brooklyn sitting in front of the television as Spain took on Argentina.

The image reinforced Brooklyn’s earlier comments explaining why he would not be joining his parents for the tournament.

Back in June, Brooklyn appeared in a commercial promoting DoorDash in which he referenced his decision to watch the World Cup from home.

Smirking at the camera, he told viewers there was “a long story” behind his absence.

Many interpreted the remark as another reference to his fractured relationship with David and Victoria.

Relations between Brooklyn and his parents have reportedly remained strained for months.

The family feud has become increasingly public, with Brooklyn failing to acknowledge several major family milestones online, including birthdays and Father’s Day.

Reports have also suggested that communication between Brooklyn and his parents has become extremely limited.

While neither side has spoken in detail about the reasons behind the estrangement, speculation has continued to grow following a series of missed family occasions.

The World Cup has only added to that narrative.

Throughout England’s run, David and Victoria were regularly photographed alongside Romeo, Cruz and daughter Harper, who supported Gareth Southgate’s side from the stands before England’s elimination.

Brooklyn, however, stayed away despite being based in America.

Sunday’s final followed the same pattern.

Inside MetLife Stadium, Romeo appeared in excellent spirits alongside girlfriend Kim Turnbull, with the pair smiling for selfies before kick-off and chatting throughout the evening.

Kim kept her look understated in a black high-neck top, while Romeo opted for a casual outfit that contrasted with his father’s sharply tailored suit.

Cruz and Jackie also looked happier than ever as engagement speculation surrounding their relationship continues to intensify.

Jackie stood out in a vibrant red dress while the pair were later photographed leaving the stadium hand in hand after Spain secured victory.

Victoria also looked relaxed despite England’s earlier heartbreak, smiling and waving to crowds as she departed alongside David.

The fashion designer climbed into a waiting vehicle wearing her elegant monochrome outfit after spending much of the evening chatting with friends and fellow guests.

David was also seen catching up with longtime friend Tom Cruise, who attended the final as part of the event’s star-studded guest list.

Celebrities from across sport, film and music packed the stadium for what became one of the most glamorous sporting occasions of the year.

Spain ultimately emerged victorious after Ferran Torres settled a tense contest in extra time, denying Lionel Messi what many expect will be his final opportunity to lift another World Cup trophy.

For Beckham, whose own World Cup journey ended without winning football’s greatest prize, it was another reminder of how difficult success at international level can be.

His close relationship with Messi meant he could appreciate the Argentine captain’s disappointment while also applauding Spain’s achievement.

The Beckham family’s appearance also came just days after Victoria became an unlikely talking point during England’s semi-final.

She had previously gone viral following her muted reaction to Jude Bellingham’s dramatic goal in the quarter-finals, with social media users joking that she barely celebrated.

David laughed off the criticism, insisting his wife had simply been “celebrating on the inside.”

This time there was no such restraint.

When Antony Gordon fired England into the lead against Argentina earlier in the week, Victoria leapt from her seat and threw herself into David’s arms in celebration.

Unfortunately for England supporters, the joy proved short-lived.

Argentina struck twice late in the match through Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez to book their place in the final, leaving Beckham visibly devastated.

Although England’s World Cup dream ended in heartbreak, David remained determined to support football’s biggest occasion through to its conclusion.

As Spain celebrated lifting the trophy and fireworks lit up the New Jersey sky, the Beckham family once again projected unity in public.

Yet Brooklyn’s decision to remain at home with Nicola ensured that questions surrounding the family’s ongoing estrangement continued to linger, even on football’s grandest stage.