The White House confirms that Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final. Multiple outlets report that the match is accompanied by a high-profile half-time programme featuring major international performers. The Guardian and other coverage say Madonna, Shakira and BTS are among the headline acts, alongside additional music artists and performers listed by outlets covering the broadcast and staging.
Separate reporting focuses on changes to the structure of the game’s break. The Times and ESPN, as referenced in the aggregated headlines, say FIFA uses a 30-minute half-time period for the final, and the Telegraph frames the decision as ignoring player needs. The Guardian’s live coverage also highlights that the event extends beyond the football, with widely known entertainers appearing at the closing ceremony and half-time.
Overall, the coverage centers on the attendance of a major political figure and the scale and timing of the entertainment set during the final’s break, while also noting criticism and debate about the half-time duration.
