The 2026 World Cup final was notable for events surrounding the match, including an appearance by President Trump and an extended halftime performance featuring a lineup of international stars.
The halftime interval, typically a brief period for player and coach strategy, was significantly lengthened to accommodate a concert. Performers included Madonna, BTS, Coldplay, and Shakira, whose song 'Dai Dai' served as the official World Cup anthem. Justin Bieber also made an appearance, offering an acoustic rendition of his song 'Everything Hallelujah' after receiving encouragement from the fictional coach Ted Lasso and his assistant, Beard. The halftime show lasted 27 minutes.
Reactions to the extended halftime show were mixed among fans. However, former England striker Wayne Rooney, speaking on the BBC's Match of the Day, was critical, stating, "I thought it was crap. I thought the performances were bad. The timings were bad. Just let us play football."
Prior to the match, the closing ceremony featured loud music and dancing, along with a notable speech by actor Tom Cruise. The overall event has been described as a World Cup final unlike any other, largely due to the high-profile non-footballing elements.