Joan Capdevila, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Spain
Sunday before the World Cup final

Joan Capdevila was allowed into the United States to attend the World Cup final after previously saying his travel authorisation had been denied. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said it reviewed the request and approved his arrival.

Capdevila had appealed publicly to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio after linking the denial to a 2016 exhibition match in Iran. The reversal allowed Spain’s 2010 World Cup winner to watch his country’s second final triumph.

FIFA, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira and World Cup final viewers
Sunday during the World Cup final

The World Cup final staged its first major half-time show, stretching the interval to 27 minutes. The production featured Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Burna Boy, Coldplay and several football celebrities.

The Athletic called the show slick but unnecessary, noting heavy sponsor involvement and concern over football adopting a Super Bowl-style model. The long break added to wider criticism of FIFA’s commercial direction during the tournament.

Donald Trump, Gianni Infantino and World Cup final fans
Sunday at MetLife Stadium

Donald Trump was booed by sections of the World Cup final crowd before taking part in the trophy presentation. He watched Spain’s win over Argentina alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino from a stadium suite.

Trump’s presence brought extra security and political attention after his earlier call to Infantino over Folarin Balogun’s red card. Activists also distributed red cards to fans before the match as a protest against politics in sport.

Gianni Infantino, FIFA and World Cup organisers
During the 2026 World Cup

Gianni Infantino’s World Cup travel schedule has drawn attention after reports said he covered nearly 60,000 miles, 115 flight hours and 21 airports. The FIFA president used a Gulfstream jet operated by Qatar Airways.

Infantino attended matches across all 16 venues, sometimes taking in two games on the same day. The travel figures underline the scale of the expanded tournament, while also raising environmental and governance questions around private-jet use.

FIFA, World Cup winners and fans
Before Sunday’s World Cup final

FIFA’s new World Cup winners’ rings will reportedly cost £112,000 each for fans, with 1,996 public-sale versions planned. The tournament champions will receive 30 bespoke rings alongside the traditional winner medals.

The rings bring an American-style championship tradition into football and are designed around the winning team’s identity. The high price adds a commercial talking point to FIFA’s already controversial ticketing and hospitality strategy.

Didier Deschamps, Rayan Cherki and France
After France’s World Cup bronze-match defeat

Didier Deschamps faced another flashpoint with Rayan Cherki during France’s 6-4 defeat by England in his final match as national-team coach. Cherki reportedly reacted with visible defiance during a first-half hydration-break instruction.

Deschamps refused to settle scores publicly, but admitted his selection choices may have been wrong. The incident adds internal-friction context to the end of his 14-year France reign and Cherki’s difficult tournament role.

Council of Europe, FIFA and Alain Berset
Sunday before the World Cup final

Europe’s top human rights body has questioned the integrity of the World Cup and urged FIFA to build stronger safeguards for 2030. Council of Europe secretary general Alain Berset cited money, power and political pressure as major concerns.

Berset pointed to FIFA suspending Folarin Balogun’s ban after Donald Trump contacted Gianni Infantino, plus risks around prediction-market sponsorship. His open letter increases governance pressure on FIFA before the next tournament cycle.

FIFA, Arsene Wenger and World Cup organisers
Saturday

Arsene Wenger says FIFA will review the impact of mandatory hydration breaks after the World Cup. The three-minute pauses were used in every match, regardless of weather or venue, and drew boos from fans as the tournament progressed.

FIFA introduced the breaks for player welfare, but broadcasters also used them for commercials and coaches treated them like tactical timeouts. Wenger said FIFA has not reached a conclusion yet and will analyse whether they should continue.

Spain, Argentina and FIFA
Saturday before the World Cup final

Spain’s final training session before the World Cup final was cancelled after heavy thunderstorms hit New York and New Jersey. Luis de la Fuente’s squad were moved indoors after lightning triggered the tournament’s storm safety protocol.

Argentina’s nearby session was delayed for about 45 minutes before going ahead, while FIFA said Spain had no alternative outdoor slot. The disruption adds another weather issue before Sunday’s final at New York New Jersey Stadium.

Joan Capdevila, Donald Trump and Spain’s 2010 World Cup squad
Friday before the World Cup final

Former Spain defender Joan Capdevila appealed to Donald Trump for help after saying his US travel permit was denied before Sunday’s World Cup final. Capdevila wanted to attend with his children and reunite with Spain’s 2010 winners.

Capdevila believes the ESTA denial may be linked to a 2016 legends match he played in Iran. The case adds another travel-access controversy to a tournament already affected by visa, immigration and entry issues.