The planned appearance would be a headline addition to Fanatics Fest, scheduled to run from July 16-19 at New York City’s Javits Centre. Instead of keeping the traditional pre-final media conference behind closed doors or limiting access to accredited journalists, the event is expected to make it part of a major public festival.
That would give the occasion a different energy. Supporters could hear from both camps before the biggest match in international football, while organisers gain an event capable of reaching beyond the stadium itself. The report says approached Rubin after last year’s festival about moving the event to World Cup final weekend.
Rubin said the football schedule will extend beyond the finalists’ press conference. David Beckham is due to appear alongside Brazil great Kaká, while Rio Ferdinand and former United States striker Jozy Altidore are also expected to attend.
The possibility of a repeat of the 2022 final has already added another layer to the promotion.
“If this were a repeat of ‘22, you’d have Mbappé and Messi at Fanatics Fest on July 17,” Rubin said. “That couldn’t be more incredible.”
That scenario cannot be planned in advance, but it captures the festival’s appeal: football’s biggest current stars could share space with some of its most recognisable former figures.
The key storyline now is whether the finalists’ identities turn the announcement into a genuine cultural moment. Once the semi-finals are settled, attention will shift quickly to July 19-and to how the two coaches and captains handle a public preview of the final.