UK viewers may not have been directly affected by the World Cup final, but the star-studded closing ceremony was a spectacle to behold. The event, held at the New York New Jersey Stadium, kicked off with streamer IShowSpeed, who took to the field alongside drummers and dancers in vibrant tracksuits. The 27-minute and 22-second half-time show was the longest in World Cup history, and featured a range of performances including Shakira, BTS, Madonna, and Justin Bieber.
According to sources, Shakira and Nigerian musician Burna Boy reunited on stage after performing together at the tournament's opening ceremony in Mexico City last month. K-Pop group BTS made their comeback from a three-year music hiatus to complete their mandatory military service in South Korea.
Several celebrities were spotted watching on, including Kylie Jenner and her boyfriend Timothee Chalamet, as well as Beyonce and Jay-Z. Former England player Wayne Rooney, part of the BBC commentary team, gave his instant reaction, stating, 'I like a lot of them artists, but I thought it was crap.'
The performances were a prelude to the match, which was introduced by actor Tom Cruise. 'From every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness, and we have shared in moments of joy,' he told the crowd. 'Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people.'