World Cup final kick-off delayed as hectic FIFA schedule runs over

Kick-off in the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina was delayed amid a busy pre-match FIFA schedule.

The national anthems were still being sung at 8pm BST when the match was due to kick off.

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Lionel Messi finally got the match underway for Argentina at 8.06pm, six minutes after the scheduled start time.

A two-part pre-match ceremony was scheduled to begin an hour and a half before kick-off.

However, the performance was pushed back from its original 6.30pm start time.

The likes of Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Nicole Scherzinger and Robbie Williams were all on the line-up.

Ceremony delayed

Fans had been told to arrive in their seats at the MetLife Stadium four years before the scheduled 8pm BST kick-off time.

Meanwhile, the first half of the closing ceremony was set to begin at 6.30pm.

This was ultimately delayed by several minutes, though, with additional security measures in place at the stadium.

Secret service agents were in place at entrances due to President Donald Trump’s attendance at the match.

It marks the first match of the tournament in which the United States President has been present.

Similar additional security procedures were also in place for the World Cup draw ceremony in December.

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Trump is also set to present the trophy to the winning captain following the final.

He did the same after last year’s Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

A technical issue with FIFA’s ticket-scanning system had also caused issues for fans.

Supporters faced long queues and confusion as they attempted to enter the venue.

Following the first half of the closing ceremony, the staging was removed from the pitch.

The second part of the performances then began at around 7.45pm after the players have warmed up.

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Jennifer Hudson sang the United States’ national anthem before a performance from Williams and Scherzinger.

They were then followed by a speech on the pitch from Cruise.

As a result of the pre-match performances, the scheduled 8pm kick-off was delayed.

The players from both sides had been due to emerge from the tunnel for the national anthems at 7.50pm, but were five minutes late to do so.

Reacting to the prolonged pre-match ceremony on talkSPORT, Stuart Pearce admitted: “They love a bit of pomp and pageantry, you know that.

“I’d prefer The Stranglers to be playing live, but you can’t have everything.

“I’m looking forward to a game of football breaking out shortly, but they’re doing everything they can to delight the crowd.”

Half-time show

There will also be a first-ever World Cup final half-time show later in the evening.

Madonna, Shakira, Justin Bieber and K-pop group BTS will co-headline the half-time performance.

The half-time show is reportedly set to last 17 minutes, giving Spain and Argentina’s players an extended break.

Tonight’s World Cup final is live on talkSPORT, with Adrian Durham presenting live commentary.