Kevin Durant asks Emiliano Martínez about the meaning of the FIFA World Cup Final

NBA superstar Kevin Durant met Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez ahead of Sunday’s FIFA World Cup Final and asked what the match means to him.

What happened?

Kevin Durant, the Brooklyn Nets forward, asked Emiliano Martínez what Sunday’s FIFA World Cup Final means to him. The moment was captured on video and shared by Fanatics on social media. Martínez, the 2022 World Cup-winning goalkeeper, is set to start for Argentina against Spain in the final on 18 July 2026.

The clip shows Durant approaching Martínez in a stadium tunnel before the showpiece. He asks the goalkeeper about the significance of the match. Martínez responds with a broad smile, though the exact words are not detailed in the clip.

Why it matters for Kevin Durant

Durant’s brief interaction with Martínez adds a crossover moment between soccer and basketball. The NBA star, known for his global reach, engaged with one of soccer’s biggest names ahead of a global final. The video has drawn attention from fans of both sports.

The moment also highlights Durant’s interest in elite sports beyond basketball. His presence at the World Cup Final underscores the event’s cross-sport appeal. The clip was posted a day after the semifinal, when Argentina and Spain advanced.

What comes next?

Martínez will start for Argentina in the World Cup Final on 18 July 2026. Spain, led by teenage star Lamine Yamal, will face Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The match is the climax of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Durant’s video adds to the buildup to the final. Stars from other sports, including Tom Cruise and Jennifer Hudson, have also featured in pre-match ceremonies. The World Cup Final will air live worldwide on 18 July 2026.