Controversy Erupts as U.S. National Anthem Set to Be Performed at Argentina vs. Spain World Cup Final

The decision to perform the U.S. national anthem at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where Argentina and Spain are set to compete for the championship title, has sparked controversy. British media outlet HITC reported that the decision for American singer Jennifer Hudson to perform the U.S. national anthem at the final match has drawn backlash from football fans around the world. The final of this North American World Cup is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, in the early hours of July 20 (KST). With Spain, having defeated France, set to face Argentina, which secured a comeback victory against England early this morning, critics are questioning the appropriateness of playing the national anthem of a country that did not even reach the final. Previously, football journalist Ben Jacobs reported on his social media, "Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem ahead of the final." Typically, only the national anthems of the two finalist nations are played at a World Cup final. Fans are reacting with criticism, stating that "this World Cup has become more politicized than ever" and that "FIFA must elect a next president who is capable of performing their duties properly without being swayed by external pressure." Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the disciplinary action against U.S. national team striker Folarin Balogun, who was sidelined due to a red card suspension ahead of the Round of 16 match between the U.S. and Belgium, and succeeded in having the decision overturned. Amid intense criticism over what is considered an unprecedented and irrational decision in the football world, the move to perform the U.S. national anthem at the World Cup final is further fueling backlash from fans. Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Yook Do-hyun | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.