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Who Is The Woman Who Delivered The Match Ball At Spain vs Austria

2026 FIFA World Cup, Famous Football Fans, Spain National Football Team

At the Los Angles Stadium in California, a few women who stole the spotlight during 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 match between Spain and Austria. Football fans wondered who they are and why they were in the stadium to watch the game, as several of them were seen supporting Spanish National Team from the luxury suites and premium seats.

In the exciting Round of 32 clash, Spain defeated Austria with a comfortable 3-0 victory. Mikel Oyarzabal (36′,89′) and Pedro Porro were goalscorers for La Roja. With this victory, Spain advances to the Round of 16, where they will face Cristiano Ronaldo‘s Portugal in Dallas.

The women who highlighted the match were Spanish actress Penelope Cruz, Spanish singer-songwriter Rosalia and Spain’s Women’s national team star Alexia Putellas. Joining them was American Rugby player Ilona Maher who presented the match ball for the game.

Ilona Maher was a major highlight among them. Serving as the ceremonial official Adidas stadium captain during before kickoff, the Olympic bronze medalist electrified the crowd by delivering the official match ball directly to the pitch. Far more than just a renowned female rugby player, Ilona is a global social media personality with a combined following of over 9 million. She is also the most-followed rugby player in the world, outstripping all male and female counterparts in her sport. Alongside her sisters, Olivia and Adrianna, she co-hosts the weekly podcast House of Maher, where they discuss sisterhood, athletic struggles, and staying grounded amidst sudden fame.

Oscar winner Penelope Cruz was another major highlight of the match as she cheered for Spanish National Team the luxury suite alongside with her husband, fellow Academy Award winning actor Javier Bardem. The Hollywood star couple fully embraced the team spirit; Cruz sported Spain’s signature red and yellow colors and was met with roaring cheers whenever she was shown on the stadium’s massive video scoreboard. She renowned for roles in major Hollywood films such as Vanilla Sky, Blow, and Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.

Penelope Cruz and Rosalia during Spain v Austria match

The surprise highlight of the match was the two-time Grammy winner Rosalia, who was in the suite supporting her nation during the game. The Catalan singer is widely considered one of the most successful and influential Spanish singers of all time. As she was captured celebrating passionately in the suites, her global smash hit “Despechá” was blasted over the stadium loudspeakers following each of Spain’s three goals.

The final highlight of the match was the two-time Ballon d’Or Feminin winner and 2023 Women’s World Cup champion Alexia Putellas. Considered as a legend of Barcelona Femeni team, she watched the match from the stands. She sat alongside men’s national team legends Carles Puyol and David Villa. Recently, after ending her historic 14-year spell with Barcelona Femeni, she joined London City Lioness in the Women’s Super League (WSL).

Ever since the start of the World Cup co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament has drawn plenty of celebrities, the majority of whom were spotted at the Los Angeles Stadium. With many matches still left to play, the tournament is only going to get bigger, especially the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, which is bound to attract an even massive star-studded crowd.

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