FIFA turned the World Cup final into a bloated American-style spectacle, complete with a Temu half-time show, Donald Trump's self-aggrandizement, and Argentina's UFC-like antics. The match, which should have been the purest 90 minutes in sport, was interrupted by a lengthy half-time production featuring Madonna, Justin Bieber, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, dancers, choirs, flashing lights, and puppets. Wayne Rooney dismissed the show as "c**p."
FIFA's Americanization of Football
Throughout the tournament, FIFA had already disrupted matches with hydration breaks that conveniently allowed broadcasters to air more adverts. The governing body claimed player welfare as the reason, but critics argued that advertisers were the ones in need of refreshment. Football's flow, its pressure builds and momentum swings, was sacrificed for commercial opportunities.
The final's half-time show was widely mocked as a bargain-bin attempt to copy the Super Bowl. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, once legends of the game, were reduced to props in a production that appeared to be organized by sixth-formers. The extended interval interfered with Spain's momentum, as they had been in the ascendancy before the break.
Argentina's Ugly Edge
Argentina's defeat descended into UFC-style violence, with players kicking, snarling, and surrounding officials. Their intimidation tactics continued after the final whistle, prompting calls for FIFA to respond with serious suspensions and fines. The governing body cannot preach respect while ignoring such behavior.
Even Gianni Infantino tried to usher Donald Trump away from the presentation ceremony, as the President lingered beside Spain's victorious players. Trump had been booed throughout the event, but he remained, grinning at cameras as if Spain's triumph were his own.
Trump's Unwanted Presence
Trump's appearance on the giant screens drew the loudest boos of the night, the only audience participation FIFA had not rehearsed. He refused to leave the pitch, standing beside the winners like a lodger who had stopped paying rent. Infantino, wearing white trainers with a suit, struggled to shift him, resembling a nervous waiter telling a billionaire the restaurant was closed.
Under Infantino, FIFA allowed America to force the world's game into the shape of its television industry. Matches were stopped for adverts, half-time became a concert, football legends became stage furniture, and players became supporting actors. Trump turned the presentation into a campaign appearance.
Spain's Class Amidst Chaos
Spain supplied the football, class, and dignity, but their triumph was overshadowed by the surrounding chaos. FIFA supplied the Muppets, Argentina supplied the punches, and Trump supplied the boos. Between them, they turned the beautiful game into an ugly spectacle.
