Tolami Benson is leading the list of best-dressed individuals for the 2026 World Cup.

      As we approach the halfway mark of the 2026 World Cup, we kicked things off by exploring the tournament from a sports and fashion perspective in our World Cup Go Sports issue. Our team covered everything you need to know about this year's event, how to style a soccer jersey, and interviewed notable figures in the sport, including Naomi Girma, known as soccer's million-dollar woman, and Algen Hamilton, the stylist shaping football fashion for 2026. Now, we are focusing on the stands and the best-dressed spectators. Leading the way is Tolami Benson, who is cheering for both England and her fiancé, Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka. Benson first garnered attention for her fashion at the 2024 Euros, where she showcased unique looks, like a custom leather jacket from Antonia Bronze paired with a reimagined jersey by Hattie Crowther, which went viral. Since then, she has been spotted at London Fashion Week events, including Richard Quinn, and on the red carpet at The Fashion Awards and the Brit Awards. Now in the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup, she continues to impress with her sideline style during England's matches through the group and knockout stages. From reworked corset jerseys to custom embroidered jorts and a designer handbag collection, she's a standout for game-day fashion. I spoke with the 25-year-old about her World Cup attire, the custom pieces she’s donning throughout the competition, and her overall approach to dressing for soccer's grandest stage.

      I’m curious to learn more about your background and how you became passionate about fashion. Has it always been something you loved?

      Fashion has always been a passion of mine. Growing up, my mother always dressed my sister and me stylishly because she had a fashion degree before moving to England from Nigeria. After relocating, she earned another degree in nursing, switching careers, but her love for fashion remained. In Nigerian culture, for traditional events or weddings, you receive fabric and create your own outfit. As a child, my mom encouraged my involvement by letting me choose how I wanted my skirt or dress styled, and then we would go to the tailor to have it made. It was a joy to select fabrics, dismantle various designs, create my dream outfits, and have them tailored to fit me perfectly. My mother was always eager to dress us, allowing us to choose our outfits and taking us shopping. From a young age, I have many photos of me with small purses and heels, raiding her wardrobe for outfits. That really sparked my interest in fashion.

      As I grew older, I became quite shy, so fashion became my way of expressing myself without needing to verbally engage with groups.

      If you had to describe your style in three words, what would they be?

      Some girls might say, "I’m a cool girl," or "I'm a clean girl," and there are so many labels today, like "I'm goth," or "I'm alternative." I feel like I don’t fit into a box. I dress according to occasions, moods, and settings and enjoy embodying various styles. One day I might dress very alternative, while another day, I could go for a clean look or an ultra-feminine style. I would describe my style as selfish, fun, and transitional—constantly evolving. My aesthetic has never been consistent; sometimes it's vintage, and other times it's very contemporary.

      Do you have any style icons from the past or present that inspire you?

      As a child, I grew up watching Disney Channel, so Hannah Montana and Selena Gomez were major inspirations for me. I also adored how Sharpay dressed in High School Musical, with her maximalist and uniquely bold style. As I matured and explored the fashion world, my admiration for designers grew significantly. Attending church was like a fashion show for me; I loved observing what the various aunties wore. That was a true source of inspiration for me—my culture and surroundings.

      How has living in England influenced your style?

      Living in England has given me a sense of freedom. The UK is incredibly diverse. Being here has allowed me to immerse myself in different cultures and express my individuality through my clothing choices without feeling the need to conform. The UK's embrace of tradition permits me to wear Nigerian garments to formal events or places where some may think I shouldn't. I also love Vivienne Westwood's quintessentially English punk-rock aesthetic, which influences my style today. It has helped me to be myself and explore various cultural aspects of my identity, stemming from my mixed heritage.

      You often wear one-of-a-kind or reworked pieces to your fiancé's matches. How did that start?

      I've always done that. In certain cultures, you learn from a young age to create your own outfit for traditional events—designing what fits and flatters your own body. I’m short with a large chest, a small torso, and