While Spain’s dramatic extra-time victory over Argentina crowned a new FIFA World Cup champion, one of the tournament’s biggest talking points unfolded away from the pitch during a livestream hosted by South African comedian Trevor Noah.
Joined by British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran, Noah turned the World Cup final into a relaxed online watch party that attracted football fans and music lovers alike. Their easy-going conversation, filled with humour and football banter, quickly spread across social media.
During the broadcast, Noah openly backed Spain, admitting he was eager to see teenage sensation Lamine Yamal lift the trophy. Ferran Torres ultimately proved to be the match winner, scoring the decisive goal that secured Spain’s 1-0 victory after extra time and brought Lionel Messi’s World Cup career to a close.
The conversation shifted from football to music when Noah posed a question many South African fans have been asking for years: when would Ed Sheeran return to perform in the country?
Rather than teasing future tour dates, Sheeran explained that his priorities have changed. With his children reaching school age, he said he intends spending more time at home in the United Kingdom and reducing long-distance international touring.
Although the response was rooted in family commitments, it disappointed many South African fans, who have repeatedly called for more performances from global artists during the peak of their careers.
The final itself also marked a milestone for football entertainment. FIFA introduced its first official World Cup halftime show, featuring performances by international artists in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Celebrations continued after the final whistle with additional musical performances as Spain lifted the trophy.
For many viewers, however, the most memorable off-field moment was Noah’s candid conversation with Sheeran, which offered a rare glimpse into the personal decisions shaping the future touring plans of one of the world’s biggest music stars, while leaving South African fans hoping a return visit still finds its way onto his schedule.