The World Cup final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, kicked off six minutes late on July 19, 2026. The delay was caused by extended pre-match entertainment, including musical performances and a speech by actor Tom Cruise.
Kick-off was scheduled for 8:00 p.m. BST (3:00 p.m. ET) but began at 8:06 p.m. BST. The match was the most-watched sporting event globally, with an estimated 1.5 billion viewers.
Tom Cruise, known for his role in the 'Mission: Impossible' film series, addressed the crowd before the match, which contributed to the delay. The performances included a set by Latin pop star Shakira.
FIFA officials confirmed the delay was due to logistical adjustments for the pre-match show. The match proceeded without further incident, with Argentina winning 3-1.
