Fans furious over U.S. anthem at World Cup final

Anger is brewing among soccer fans worldwide over the decision to play the United States national anthem before the 2026 World Cup final. The match, set to feature Argentina against Spain, will take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 20.

Singer Jennifer Hudson is slated to perform the U.S. anthem as part of the pre-game ceremonies. FIFA's event schedule, which includes the anthem, has drawn sharp criticism from fans who question its relevance when the U.S. team is not participating in the final match.

Traditionally, World Cup finals only feature the national anthems of the two competing teams. The inclusion of the U.S. anthem is considered an unusual departure from this norm, especially given that the United States is a co-host nation but did not advance to the final stages of the tournament.

Reports indicate that fans have expressed outrage on social media, calling the decision "politicized" and "disgusting." Many question why the U.S. anthem is being played when the nation's team was eliminated before the final. The controversy adds a layer of tension to the highly anticipated championship match.