BBC and ITV viewers took to social media to complain as the US national anthem was played before the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, a match that did not feature the American side. The pre-match ceremony, which included a performance by music legend Jennifer Hudson, caused the kick-off to be delayed by six minutes.
Viewers Question Anthem Choice
British viewers were perplexed that the co-host nation's anthem was played before a match that didn't involve the United States. Supporters expressed their bewilderment on social media, with @thspctclrnw writing: "Someone explain to me like I'm 5 why the American national anthem is being sung at the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, when Mexico and Canada were also the hosts?"
Numerous viewers shared similar confusion. @folklaurenx said: "I honestly do not understand why the USA national anthem needs to be sung before this match. It ain't about the US, it's about Spain and Argentina. Who gives a f*** if it's in a stadium in the US. If they're doing it because it's a host nation, where's the Mexican and Canadian national anthems?"
@MissDumbledory added: "I love Jennifer Hudson but why on earth is the US National Anthem being sang at the World Cup Final? I'm petty sure last time I checked it was Spain v Argentina #worldcupfinal"
A similar grievance was voiced by @ChallengeFaz, who posted: "American national anthem being sung at a final they're not playing at? What a circus. #WorldCupFinal" reports the Express.
Ceremony Highlights and Delay
The divisive ceremony also featured Robbie Williams performing on stage, while Tom Cruise delivered a rousing speech on the pitch just moments before the opening whistle. Speaking ahead of the match, Cruise said: "They began a journey. They crossed oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together, they showed us why this game belongs to the world."
Cruise continued: "Football is a language spoken without words, a force that unites people, that turns strangers into friends, and reminds us of what we all have in common. So as we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is unity. This is greatness."
The ceremony overran, causing the match to start six minutes late. The inclusion of the US national anthem, performed by Jennifer Hudson, was a notable departure from typical World Cup final protocols, where only the anthems of the competing nations are played.
Impact on Viewers
The confusion among British viewers was widespread, with many taking to social media to question the decision. The match between Spain and Argentina was the culmination of a tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. However, only the US anthem was performed, leading to criticism that the other host nations were overlooked.
According to reports, the pre-match ceremony was designed to celebrate the tournament's hosting by three nations, but the execution left many viewers baffled. The BBC and ITV, which broadcast the final in the UK, faced a barrage of comments from confused audiences.
The 2026 World Cup final marked a historic occasion, being the first to be co-hosted by three countries. Despite the ceremonial hiccup, the match proceeded with Spain and Argentina competing for the title.
