Trump, Bieber and Shakira - a World Cup final like never before
The 2026 World Cup final may not linger long in the memory for what happened on the pitch but it will for all that surrounded it, with an appearance by President Trump, the longest half-time in football and songs by a host of stars.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I thought it was crap. I thought the performances were bad. The timings were bad. Just let us play football."
— Wayne Rooney , Athlete
Key People
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Folarin Balogun is a professional soccer player who represents the U.S. Men’s National Team.
President of FIFA.
Justin Bieber is a Canadian singer and songwriter known for his influential pop music career.
Madonna is a seven-time Grammy winner and pop star releasing a new album.
Nicole Scherzinger is an American singer and television personality, best known as the lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls.
Robbie Williams is a British singer and entertainer known for his solo career and as a member of Take That.
Colombian singer known for her performances and music.
Actor and longtime friend of David Beckham.
Former English footballer and manager.
Locations
All Coverage
The 2026 World Cup final may not linger long in the memory for what happened on the pitch but it will for all that surrounded it, with an appearance by President Trump, the longest half-time in football and songs by a host of stars.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Ex-tennis player Bautista Agut scores on football debut
Roberto Bautista Agut scores twice on his debut for Spanish seventh-tier side CD Els Ibarsos - just over a month after retiring from tennis.
August 15, 2026 at 01:07 PMAlgorithms amplified World Cup racism, says report
Racist abuse aimed at England footballers on social media was amplified during the World Cup by algorithms designed to maximise engagement and profit, according to new research.
August 19, 2026 at 11:02 PMIreland's World Cup hopes alive after win over NZ
Ireland's women looked no further than the success of the country’s athletes and swimmers over the past 10 days to inspire them to a first Hockey World Cup pool win in eight years.
August 18, 2026 at 12:31 PMPremier League chief says Fifa self-destructed over World Cup plan
Premier League chief executive Richard Masters has criticised Fifa president Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell-off plan, saying the organisation has "pressed the self-destruct button" by delivering "a self-inflicted wound".
August 18, 2026 at 04:18 PMMore history made at Croke Park as Man Utd beat Leeds
Less than a month after Mayo's historic win in the All-Ireland final at Croke Park, a stadium that is famous for sliotars and the Sam Maguire turned its attention to one of the oldest rivalries in English football.
August 12, 2026 at 10:37 PMFifa official sacked after Infantino plan criticism
Senior Fifa figure Kevin Lamour is sacked by football's world governing body three weeks after criticising its president Gianni Infantino.
August 17, 2026 at 08:46 PM