21072026-LSTL-01.qxd 7/20/2026 8:52 PM Page 1 c m y b TRIBUNE SNL exit Life Chloe Fineman exits Saturday Night Live after seven seasons, with reports linking her to Netflix’s Myron Bolitar drama series. LUDHIANA | TUESDAY | 21 JULY 2026 (Clockwise from top) Shakira, Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber & Tom Cruise Despite featuring a host of stars, the 11-minute FIFA spectacle failed to generate buzz The star-studded finale Football met Hollywood at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where Tom Cruise led an Alist parade of celebrities, setting the stage for a thrilling SpainArgentina showdown at a star-studded MetLife Stadium. Hollywood superstar Cruise captivated a packed stadium and millions of viewers worldwide with his emotional address moments before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, paying tribute to the tournament’s global spirit and the unifying power of football. Standing at the centre of the pre-match ceremony, Cruise reflected on the month-long spectacle that brought together 48 nations across three host countries. “Thirty days ago, 48 nations began a journey. They crossed oceans. They crossed borders. They crossed cultures. And together, they showed us why this game belongs to the world. From three countries across them and from every corner of the globe, we have witnessed greatness. And we have shared in moments of joy, moments of hope, moments we will never forget,” the actor shared. Celebrating the moment, Tom Cruise called upon the crowd and said, “So, as we gather for one final chapter, let us celebrate a tournament that brought the world together. Let us celebrate each other. This is football. This is UEFA. This is greatness.” However, the excitement of the star-studded opening wasn’t entirely matched by the halftime show. Despite an impressive lineup featuring Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Coldplay’s MOHANLAL BRINGS INDIAN STAR POWER The pitch belonged to soccer stars, but the stands belonged to Hollywood. From Matt Damon, Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Richard Gere, A-list celebrities arrived to support the game’s biggest stars at the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Hollywood stars Matt Damon, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner and several other celebrities attended the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium, turning football’s biggest night into a star-studded affair. Among those in attendance were Matt Damon and his wife Luciana, Jay-Z and Beyonce, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, David and Victoria Beckham, Timothee Chalamet, Kylie Jenner, Will Ferrell, Kevin Hart, Austin Butler, Serena Williams, Pharrell Williams, Javier Bardem, Jon Hamm, Adrien Brody, Trevor Noah, Richard Gere, Jason Sudeikis, Julia Garner, Dwyane Wade, Gabrielle Union, Rob Gronkowski, Gayle King, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anna Wintour and YouTube creator MrBeast, among others. US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump also attended the final. Chris Martin, Kermit, Miss Piggy and more, the 11-minute spectacle struggled to capture the same level of buzz and charisma that Tom Cruise brought to the event. Justin Bieber’s choice of song — Everything Hallelujah — neither matched the energy, nor the occasion. The song, released in 2025 from Swag II album is not exactly a high energy number befitting FIFA finale. Social media users questioned the choice. One viewer wrote: “What is this song choice. Bieber has completely killed the mood.” Another commented: “I’m glad Bieber chose a popular song everyone knows and can sing along to.” Another added: “Justin Bieber chose to sing a song absolutely no one knows on the grandest stage of them all.” WHAT’S HOT Learn HAWKERS MARKET LOOP AND CREATE Coldplay added a memorable personal touch to the historic FIFA World Cup 2026 Final by surprising thousands of fans with handwritten-style notes placed on every seat ahead of the tournament’s first-ever halftime show. As spectators entered the stadium for one of the biggest sporting events in the world, they found small fan flags waiting at their seats, each accompanied by a personalised message signed by frontman Chris Martin on behalf of the band. The gesture immediately drew attention across social media, with fans and digital creators sharing images of the keepsake before the performance began. The note expressed gratitude to supporters attending the landmark event and acknowledged the significance of the occasion. It read, “Thank you for being a vital part of the firstever FIFA World Cup 2026: The Final Halftime Show. With love, Chris Martin, Coldplay.” Social media influencer Kate Mackz also shared a glimpse of the same on her Instagram handle. The surprise came ahead of what marked FIFA’s first attempt at staging a large-scale, Super Bowl-style halftime music production during a World Cup final. The addition of a major live music performance represented a new chapter in the tournament’s history, with Coldplay serving as the headline act for the inaugural show. — Agncies play KHUSHIYAN L OOP yarn into beautiful textures and create something cute enough to frame at this Punch Needle Workshop in Chandigarh. No prior skills needed — all materials included, expert guidance provided, and a finished handcrafted piece to take home. Organised by Deepakriti Institute of Creative Arts, it starts on July 21 and concludes on July 31. c m y b W Bhai teases fans HAT truly brings us happiness? Storyteller Laksh Maheshwari explores this fundamental question in Khushiyan — A Journey to Find Joy, taking audiences on an emotional journey where stories become answers and joy reveals itself in the most unexpected ways. The story telling season starts on July 25 at Tagore Theatre. chandigarh TEP into a vibrant Hawkers Market experience at XO, JW Marriott, featuring live food stations, street-style favourites, and interactive culinary moments. Entry includes a redeemable cover on food and beverages — three hours of good food and good vibes in one of the city’s most elegant addresses. At XO, JW Marriott, July 23 onwards. chandigarh chandigarh CHRIS MARTIN’S GESTURE WINS FANS’ HEART (L-R) Chris Martin, Matt Damon and Luciana Barroso eat S As the FIFA World Cup 2026 final turned MetLife Stadium into a dazzling hub of global star power, India had its own celebrity representative in the stands. Malayalam superstar Mohanlal joined thousands of football fans to witness the Spain-Argentina title clash and gave followers a front-row glimpse of the electric atmosphere. The veteran actor took to Instagram ahead of kick-off, sharing a video from inside the packed stadium as fans created a sea of colour and noise. Capturing the excitement of football’s biggest night, Mohanlal wrote, “The stadium is buzzing. Can’t wait for kickoff. #FIFAWorldCup.” OFF THE FIELD Aap logon ki tabiyat kaisi hai? asks Salman Khan After days of social media buzzing with concern over his health, the Bollywood superstar finally responded — but in classic Salman style. Instead of issuing a formal clarification, he posted a fresh set of stylish photos on Instagram with the cheeky caption, “Aap logon ki tabiyat kaisi hai?” The timing couldn’t have been more interesting. Just days ago, Salman attended a public event where videos and photos of him went viral. Eagle-eyed fans flooded social media, pointing out that the actor looked noticeably leaner, tired and exhausted, sparking a wave of health rumours and well-wishes.