The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup has been a massive success in North America, with packed NFL stadiums and thrilling matches. But amid the celebration of soccer, a controversy has erupted over what some consider 'inappropriate' attire worn by two female fans. Both women have now been identified, and the conversation around their clothing choices is heating up.
One of the women is Ivana Knoll, a model and influencer from Croatia who has gained a massive following for her bold stadium outfits. She's been spotted at multiple World Cup games, often wearing revealing tops or dresses that stand out in the crowd. Knoll has previously gone viral for similar looks, and this year is no exception. Many fans have called her outfits 'inappropriate,' especially since children are present at the matches.
The other woman is Eleonora Incardona, a reporter whose on-camera wardrobe has drawn criticism. Incardona has been accused of wearing 'unprofessional' attire while covering games, with some viewers arguing that her clothing undermines her credibility. One commenter wrote, 'I approve of it but if she wants to be taken seriously she might want to tone it down a bit.' Another added, 'Her clothing is inappropriate. She is working to report on the match; she is not there as a spectator. She should dress accordingly.'
The backlash has sparked a broader debate about double standards in sports media. While male reporters are rarely criticized for their attire, female journalists and fans often face scrutiny for similar choices. This isn't the first time fashion has stirred controversy at a major sporting event — just last month, sophia havertz turned up the heat in a swimsuit during the world cup, drawing both praise and criticism.
Supporters of Knoll and Incardona argue that the criticism is overblown and that women should be free to wear what they feel comfortable in. 'They're not hurting anyone,' one fan said. 'People need to focus on the game, not on what someone is wearing.' Others point out that the World Cup is a global celebration, and fashion — whether bold or conservative — is part of the experience.
The controversy also echoes other recent debates in the sports world, including the megan rapinoe slams 'unnatural' hydration breaks and ad sales at men's world cup, where the USWNT star criticized commercial aspects of the tournament. And it's not just about clothing — a world cup commentator under fire over alleged racist remark about ciara shows how quickly the spotlight can turn negative at these events.
As the tournament continues, all eyes remain on the action on the field. But off the pitch, the debate over what's appropriate to wear to a World Cup game is far from settled. Whether you side with the critics or the defenders of personal expression, one thing is clear: fashion at the World Cup is as competitive as the soccer itself.
