The closing ceremony for the World Cup final is experiencing delays. Initially scheduled to begin 90 minutes before the match, it has yet to commence. Such holdups are common when Donald Trump is present, as security protocols are implemented to secure the venue. It remains uncertain if the kickoff will be postponed, though adjustments can likely be made to the ceremony to expedite proceedings. Surely, no one would object to removing Robbie Williams from the lineup.
Alexander Abnos is on site at the stadium and has provided some updates regarding the teams:
Spain has just arrived at the stadium and is currently exploring the center of the field. A group of FIFA volunteers is seen holding a sizable tarp, which is presumably crucial for the ceremony.
And here comes the tarp! It features a somewhat gaudy montage of notable New York City landmarks. Clockwise from the bottom left on screens: The Calatrava train hub at the World Trade Center, 1 World Trade, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State Building, The Vessel, an unrecognized building, the Guggenheim, the Chrysler Building, the Statue of Liberty, 30 Rock, the Washington Square Arch, and the Flatiron Building.
FIFA has announced an exciting “fan-centric pre-match ceremony” today, promising an “an immersive, 360-degree concept that transforms the stadium into a shared stage. No matter where supporters are seated, each will have a distinct and engaging perspective, with extra-large country flag banners and on-pitch elements carefully positioned to involve the crowd in an authentic and meaningful way.”
There’s likely going to be a hologram involved. There always seems to be one. On a positive note, FIFA has finally recognized its long-overlooked sponsors: “the youth programme and players’ tunnel will feature both traditional and new integrations of FIFA’s Commercial Partners, thanks to the involvement of adidas, Coca-Cola, Kia, Mengniu, Qatar Airways and Quaker.” Initially, I misread that as “additional elements such as coloured smoke or pyrotechnics.” and was momentarily expecting a silent prayer gathering, which could have been quite pleasant.
The pre-match festivities will also feature “additional elements such as colored smoke or pyrotechnics.” Colored smoke OR pyrotechnics? At $5,000 per ticket, is it too much to expect both? This game better be worth it.
As per federal law, Kevin Hart must attend any event in the US that attracts more than 598 attendees. As a result, Kevin Hart is present for today’s final.
Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan has remarked that the World Cup has generated approximately $20 billion in economic activity within the US, roughly equivalent to the cost of three tickets to today’s event. It’s worth noting that the economic figures tied to sporting events are often questionable:
Hello and welcome to our Everything But The Football live blog of the World Cup final, which has become significantly more pertinent now that FIFA has opted to elevate the final to a Super Bowl-like spectacle (reportedly one of 104 Super Bowls at this year’s tournament!).
What does Gianni and his team have planned for today? Expect:
1) The ever-popular and eloquent President Donald Trump, who is likely to be met with boos from fans who have spent considerable money to voice their discontent (see also: 2026 NBA Finals, 2017 World Series, 2025 Ryder Cup, 2025 US Open men’s final, and a random Washington Commanders game last season):
In addition, a half-time show will feature performances by BTS, Shakira, Madonna, Burna Boy, and Justin Bieber, all overseen by the curator of loving grace, Chris Martin.
But first, a closing ceremony will kick off 90 minutes prior to the kickoff, featuring streamer IShowSpeed alongside various celebrities who were last considered cutting-edge at least 25 years ago, including Nicole Scherzinger, Robbie Williams, and Tom Cruise. There’s a 90% chance Cruise will leap from something elevated (perhaps Gianni’s forehead?).
- World Cup 2026
- World Cup
- Shakira
- Madonna
- BTS
- FIFA
- Donald Trump
