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SportsUS Air Force flyover malfunctions during national anthem at 2026 World Cup final
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During the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey between Spain and Argentina, a planned US Air Force jet flyover timed to coincide with the final notes of the US national anthem malfunctioned. As singer Jennifer Hudson finished the anthem, the sky remained empty. The jets roared over the stadium moments later, but by then Robbie Williams had already begun performing the FIFA anthem 'Desire.' The mishap was visible on the world television feed. FIFA had organized a grand pre-match ceremony featuring singers Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini, with the World Cup trophy brought in by former champions Andrés Iniesta and Mario Kempes, model Ho-yeon Jung, and tennis star Carlos Alcaraz. Actor Tom Cruise also gave a farewell speech. The delayed flyover disrupted the traditional goosebump moment expected at major US sports events.
Source report
New Jersey – The anticipated goosebump moment failed to materialize. During the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, the US Air Force botched what is arguably its most spectacular stunt.
Typically, jets of the American air force thunder over the stadium precisely on the second as the last notes of the US national anthem fade during major sports events. This time, the timing went wrong.
As Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson (44) finished the anthem, the sky initially remained empty. The military aircraft missed the traditional moment.
Only moments later, the jets roared over the World Cup stadium — but by then, music superstar Robbie Williams (52) was already on stage. He had begun performing the FIFA anthem "Desire" while the delayed flyover passed overhead. The plane malfunction became apparent when the central world television feed showed the stadium from a bird's-eye view.
FIFA Celebrates World Cup Final with Grand Show
Even before the kickoff between Spain and Argentina (broadcast on ZDF/Magenta TV and here in the BILD live ticker), FIFA put on a pompous spectacle. Alongside Williams, singers Nicole Scherzinger and Laura Pausini also performed during the anthem.
The World Cup trophy was brought onto the field by:
- Two world champions: Andrés Iniesta (2010 Spain) and Mario Kempes (1978 Argentina)
- South Korean model and actress Ho-yeon Jung
- Tennis superstar Carlos Alcaraz
The golden trophy was displayed in a trophy case from official FIFA partner Louis Vuitton and subsequently presented in the stadium.
Andrés Iniesta (42), Ho-yeon Jung (32), Carlos Alcaraz (23), and Mario Kempes (72). Photo: ANGELA WEISS/AFP
With this, FIFA continued a tradition dating back to 2010. Actor Tom Cruise officially bid farewell to this World Cup in a short speech. Afterwards, the two teams came onto the field for the anthems — and the match could finally begin.
Source
BILD - SportWestern
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US Air Force Flyover Malfunctions During National Anthem at 2026 World Cup Final