Carlos Alcaraz gets special World Cup honour as tennis star carries trophy before Spain’s historic final

Monday, 20 July 2026 at 00:40

Carlos Alcaraz with his thumbs in the air

Carlos Alcaraz took a break from his rehabilitation schedule to be part of one of the biggest sporting events of the year, as the seven-time Grand Slam champion arrived at MetLife Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

The Spaniard, who has not played a competitive tennis match since April due to the right wrist injury that forced him away from the ATP Tour, was among the many high-profile guests invited to attend the final in New Jersey. Despite being focused on his recovery and return to competition, Alcaraz made time to support his country in a historic match.

Ahead of kick-off, Alcaraz joined South Korean actress and model Hoyeon to present the Louis Vuitton trophy trunk containing the FIFA World Cup Winner’s Trophy, becoming one of the sporting figures involved in the traditional pre-match ceremony.

A passionate football fan, Alcaraz has closely followed Spain’s journey throughout the tournament while recovering away from the tennis courts. The Murcia native is well known for his love of football and regularly supports both Real Madrid and the Spanish national team.

Carlitos ❤️❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/VL28RyIW2s
— f #7inMelbourne (@fvaeey) July 19, 2026

Carlos alcaraz with Louis Vuitton trophy trunk containing the FIFA World Cup Winner’s✨✨✨ pic.twitter.com/Vonm5iH8bf
— f #7inMelbourne (@fvaeey) July 19, 2026

Alcaraz prepares ATP return after injury setback

Alcaraz’s appearance at the World Cup final comes as he continues the final stages of his recovery before returning to professional tennis. The former world No. 1 is expected to make his comeback at the Cincinnati Open, the first Masters 1000 tournament of the North American hard-court swing.

Read also

The Spaniard has been sidelined since April, missing the grass-court season and Wimbledon as he focused on recovering from the wrist issue. During that period, Alcaraz has remained connected to sport, following major competitions and supporting Spanish athletes while waiting for his return to the ATP Tour.

His presence in New York–New Jersey added another memorable chapter to his time away from competition, with the tennis star representing Spanish sport on one of football’s biggest stages. Once back on court, Alcaraz will look to quickly regain his rhythm and build momentum ahead of the final months of the season, where he will aim to challenge for more major titles and continue his rivalry with world No. 1 Jannik Sinner.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

See author's posts

claps 0visitors 0

“He was unconfident and average”: Patrick Mouratoglou makes surprising admission about Sinner’s Wimbledon title

“It will hit you hard”: Roger Federer reveals Pete Sampras’ advice ahead of his Hall of Fame induction