All eyes set on tonight’s WC football grand finale

The grand finale of the greatest sporting extravaganza on earth, the FIFA World Cup, takes place tonight at 1:00 am Bangladesh time at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium, which has a massive seating capacity of up to 82,500 spectators.

Amid great enthusiasm worldwide, including in Bangladesh, the final will pit defending champions Argentina against Europe’s top-ranked team, Spain, with millions of football fans across the world eagerly awaiting the crowning of their favourite team.

Another unique feature of this year’s World Cup is that, for the first time in its history, the final will have a Super Bowl-style halftime show, in which entertainment stars such as Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira, BTS, Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel and the PS22 Chorus will perform. This show is expected to run for about 11 minutes, with the halftime break potentially extended to up to 30 minutes.

Also for the first time, this year's World Cup is the largest ever, featuring 48 teams instead of the previous 32. They have played 104 matches across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico, as the tournament transcends geographical boundaries and cultural differences, bringing together billions of people in a shared celebration of football. Every four years, the final reminds us why the game is rightly called "the beautiful game"�"not merely because of the skills on display, but because of its extraordinary power to unite humanity.

This is why the significance of the World Cup final extends far beyond the football pitch. It reflects the values that make sport an indispensable part of human civilisation�"discipline, teamwork, perseverance, fair play and respect for opponents. In a world increasingly marked by conflicts and divisions, the tournament demonstrates that fierce competition can coexist with mutual respect. Rival supporters may celebrate different teams, but they are united by their admiration for the game's artistry and spirit.

The World Cup also illustrates the remarkable economic and cultural influence of global sports. Host nations invest heavily in infrastructure, tourism and technology, while businesses worldwide benefit from increased consumer spending. Broadcasting rights, sponsorships and merchandising generate billions of dollars, underscoring sport's growing contribution to the global economy.

For football fans in Bangladesh, as for billions across the globe, the World Cup is more than a sporting event. More precisely, it is a celebration of passion, identity and dreams. Bangladeshi streets, rooftops and marketplaces transform into colourful displays of international football allegiance. Giant flags of Brazil and Argentina have fluttered side by side, while supporters of Germany, France, Spain, England and other countries proudly showcase their loyalties. Friendly debates among fans become commonplace, and tea stalls turn into hubs of football discussion.

In Bangladesh, passionate supporters of Brazil and Argentina are particularly conspicuous. With Argentina reaching the final this time, its popularity has already soared, thanks to the enduring appeal of the football icons associated with the nation.