As the much-anticipated Club World Cup gets underway, the spotlight isn’t only on the players lacing up their boots.
From the glamorous partners watching from the stands to those supporting from afar, the WAGs (wives and girlfriends) of football’s biggest stars are adding an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament.
The revamped 32-team format, which kicks off with Al Ahly facing Inter Miami in the early hours of Sunday (UK time), brings together the best of world football.
With $1 billion in prize money and a $125 million jackpot for the winner, this year’s competition is set to be massive—and the partners of top players are definitely along for the ride, both literally and emotionally.
Let’s take a look at who’s who among the WAGs of this high-stakes tournament.
Maya Jama and Ruben Dias: Love Island From Afar
TV presenter and Love Island host Maya Jama has been dating Ruben Dias of Manchester City for a few months now.
The couple recently enjoyed a sun-soaked getaway to Italy’s Amalfi Coast, which Jama shared on Instagram.
Despite being spotted cheering Dias on at City matches, she won’t be flying to the States for the tournament—she’s tied up in Mallorca hosting the current Love Island season.
Still, you can bet she’ll be rooting for him from her villa set.
Isabel Haugseng Johansen: New Mom and Haaland’s No. 1 Fan
Erling Haaland’s long-time girlfriend, Isabel Haugseng Johansen, is staying home this time around.
The couple recently welcomed their first child in December 2024, and she’s focused on mom duties while Haaland competes for Manchester City.
Though she won’t be in the stadium, she’ll surely be following every match from Norway with baby in tow.
Connie Grace and Cole Palmer: High School Sweethearts Still Going Strong
Over at Chelsea, Cole Palmer will be playing under a different shade of blue, but his girlfriend Connie Grace will be sticking with him all the way.
The Manchester-born influencer and salon owner first met Palmer at 17, and their story has since been featured on the documentary England’s Lions: A New Generation.
While they’re relatively private, Connie’s been a steady presence in Palmer’s career and is expected to be supporting him in the U.S.
Aine May Kennedy and Conor Gallagher: Irish Romance Goes Global
Now playing for Atletico Madrid, Conor Gallagher has taken his Irish model girlfriend Aine May Kennedy with him to Spain.
The pair, who’ve been together since their teens, are navigating life in Madrid together.
They were even seen attending an Ed Sheeran concert at Atletico’s stadium recently.
While her appearance at the World Cup isn’t confirmed, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she joined Gallagher in the States.
Ashlyn Castro and Jude Bellingham: Hollywood Meets Madrid
Jude Bellingham, one of England’s brightest talents, is now settled in Madrid with American model and influencer Ashlyn Castro.
Known for her previous relationships with stars like Terance Mann and Michael B. Jordan, Castro is often seen supporting Bellingham alongside his mum at matches.
She even sat through England’s uneventful 1-0 win over Andorra last week.
Expect her to be present in the U.S. stands too.
Gabriely Miranda and Endrick: Young Love With Big Dreams
Real Madrid’s teen prodigy Endrick is bringing more than just raw talent to the Club World Cup.
His partner, Gabriely Miranda, is likely to be by his side in the U.S.
The 23-year-old model is five years older than Endrick, but their bond seems unshakable.
According to reports, they even have a “love contract” that requires them to say “I love you” no matter what.
Antonela Roccuzzo: The Queen Behind Messi
No introduction is needed for Antonela Roccuzzo, the long-time wife of Lionel Messi.
She’s been his rock since they were kids in Rosario, and she’ll be right there in the U.S. as Inter Miami hosts the tournament.
Now a mother of three, Roccuzzo has embraced the Miami lifestyle and is ready to cheer her husband on as he seeks yet another title to add to his legendary career.
Sofia Balbi and Luis Suarez: Miami Life Suits Them
Following in Messi’s footsteps, Luis Suarez made his move to Inter Miami in 2024.
With him came his wife, Sofia Balbi, who’s been with him since their teenage years despite growing up in very different worlds.
The couple now shares three kids and a love that’s stood the test of time and travel.
Expect Balbi to be supporting Suarez throughout the tournament.
Catherine Harding and Jorginho: A New Chapter in Brazil
Jorginho recently swapped Arsenal’s colours for Flamengo’s, and he’s likely to make his debut during the Club World Cup.
His wife, Catherine Harding, is already on board for the new adventure.
They tied the knot in Italy just two weeks before the tournament.
A singer and mum to a child with actor Jude Law, Harding gained attention in the football world through the Amazon Prime series Married to the Game.
Claudia Rodriguez and Marc Cucurella: Balancing Love and Parenting
Marc Cucurella had a standout year at Chelsea, and his wife Claudia Rodriguez has been with him every step of the way.
The couple shares three children and often opens up about their lives, including raising their autistic son, in the documentary Married to the Game.
Rodriguez’s Instagram often shows snapshots of her jet-setting lifestyle and love for London—but she may well be heading stateside to support her husband during the tournament.
What’s Next?
As the Club World Cup unfolds across 12 stadiums in the U.S., the players won’t be the only ones under the spotlight.
Their partners—whether cheering from the VIP seats or supporting from home—are part of the journey.
With football’s biggest names battling it out for a $125 million prize, the love stories on the sidelines add an emotional layer to a competition that’s already packed with drama. Stay tuned on DAZN for all the live action.