Opulent World Cup final with a star-studded cast

The World Cup final took place on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, featuring a star-studded halftime show that exceeded standard regulations. The match, which concluded with Spain defeating Argentina, was marked by emotional moments, loud cheers, and even boos directed toward U.S. President Donald Trump during his brief appearance. The halftime entertainment, curated by Coldplay's Chris Martin, lasted 27 minutes, well beyond the IFAB-recommended maximum of 15 minutes, and featured performances spanning multiple generations, from icons like Madonna to pop sensations such as Justin Bieber and the K-pop group BTS. The game began with a highly anticipated pre-match ceremony, including a rendition of the U.S. national anthem by Grammy-winning actress Jennifer Hudson. This departure from tradition saw only one nation's anthem performed before kickoff, rather than both teams' anthems as is customary. Robbie Williams joined the festivities with a performance alongside singer-songwriters Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, adding to the celebratory atmosphere. President Trump made his only appearance at a World Cup match, though his presence was met with boos from the crowd. Despite this reception, he expressed his desire to bring the tournament back to the United States immediately, stating, “We need to do it again, and I mean, as long as I’m here. You hear that, Gianni?” He addressed FIFA president Gianni Infantino directly during a Fox interview. Among the notable attendees were celebrities and athletes who had previously been associated with other sports. Timothee Chalamet, known for his appearances at NBA games for the New York Knicks, joined Kylie Jenner in the stands. Victoria and David Beckham also attended, showing their support for the event. The stadium was filled with fans from around the world, many of whom had traveled great distances to witness the historic match. Madonna kicked off the halftime show with her hit “Music,” performing in a tunnel leading onto the pitch. She entered the field accompanied by dancers and legends like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, all under a rainbow-colored tarp. The Muppets followed with a drum performance, while the New York Philharmonic and Venezuela’s Simon Bolivar Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Gustavo Dudamel, presented a version of “Seven Nation Army” by the White Stripes. The South Korean band BTS brought energy with a dynamic performance of their song “Dynamite,” creating a wave of excitement among the audience. Actor Jason Sudeikis, playing the role of football coach Ted Lasso from the eponymous series, introduced Justin Bieber to the stage by substituting him into the lineup. Bieber later performed an acoustic version of “Everything Hallelujah,” altering the lyrics to read, “It’s the World Cup, Hallelujah.” Shakira and Nigerian artist Burna Boy performed together, showcasing the official World Cup song “Dai Dai.” Both artists had already appeared during the tournament’s opening ceremony. The show continued with a collaboration between Coldplay and a choir of New York elementary school children, who held up the letters forming the word “LOVE” above the crowd. After the match, Trump and Infantino walked onto the field to present the World Cup trophy to Spain’s captain, Rodri. However, Trump struggled to maintain focus on the moment, prompting Infantino to gently guide him back to the celebration. Emotional scenes unfolded as Argentine fans wept after their team's defeat, and head coach Lionel Scaloni broke down during a press conference, unable to complete his statement.