Argentina-Spain final, but why a 'Round of 16 eliminated' nation?... 'World Cup privatization' becomes reality

Concerns over the 'privatization' of the World Cup have materialized as the final match of the 2026 tournament is set to be contested between Argentina and Spain, yet the opening ceremony featured the U.S. national anthem. The championship game is being held at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The choice of venue and the ceremonial opening have drawn attention, as the United States is one of three host nations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico. However, the final itself pits two nations that are not the primary hosts, leading to commentary about the event's global reach and commercial aspects.

This scenario has fueled discussions about how major sporting events are organized and marketed, with some observers suggesting that the focus has shifted significantly towards commercial interests, potentially overshadowing the traditional spirit of international competition. The presence of the U.S. anthem at a final not involving the U.S. team underscores this perceived shift.