Farrah El-Dibany Performs at the World Cup’s Closing Ceremony

Farrah El-Dibany, an Egyptian soprano who lives in Paris, performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar on December 18. The gifted opera singer, joined by Egyptian rapper and songwriter, Wegz put on quite a show and became the first Egyptians to perform at the World Cup.

BeIN Sports aired El-Dibany’s live performance, as she belted out the French national anthem “La Marseillaise” before the match. French President Emmanuel Macron watched from the stand, as the Egyptian Soprano sang the French national anthem with the Les Bleus players lined up on the pitch of Lusail Stadium.

Born in Alexandra, the artist started her music career by studying at the well-known Hanns Eisler School of Music in Berlin. She regularly went on tours, including a well-received solo concert at Dubai Opera in 2020. The rising star’s World Cup appearance marks another step in her flourishing career.

Notably, Farrah was wildly praised by French President Emmanuel Macron and Egyptian President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi, as the First Egyptian artist and the first Arab to sing at the Paris Opera. Moreover, she was granted the prestigious “Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” award (Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government, in addition to receiving France’s Chevalier (Knight) honor, a medal that recognizes significant contributions to the field of arts.

Following her award, Dibany was selected to sing the French national anthem at French President Emmanuel Macron’s re-election victory event, following her last year’s impressive performance at the “Institut De Monde” in Paris, singing covers of famous songs by Dalida and Fairouz, which caught Macron’s attention.

Joining Farrah El Dibany, other Arab artists performed during the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony, including Egyptian rapper, Wegz, Qatari singer, Aisha, who joined Nigerian Afro-pop star David for “Hayya Hayya” (Better Together), and Emirati singer, Balqees, who sang “Light The Sky” alongside Iraq’s Rahma Riad, and Morocco’s Nora Fatehi and Manal.

Argentina wins 2022 FIFA World Cup

Argentina have won the 2022 FIFA World Cup after winning on penalties following a 3-3 draw against France in the final. Lionel Messi scored twice to help his nation be crowned world champions.

Angel Di Maria won a penalty after Ousmane Dembele fouled the winger in the penalty box, which Messi comfortably converted past Hugo Lloris. Di Maria then added a second after slotting the ball home from close range following a brilliant passing move from Argentina which cut Les Bleus apart.

Kylian Mbappe restored hope for France with two quick-fire goals late in the match, taking the game to extra-time before Messi popped up with a third goal for Argentina in the 109th minute after a lengthy VAR check deemed that the goal was able to stand. Mbappe sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 118th minute.

Lionel Messi scored from the spot in the shootout as France missed two penalties and saw Argentina take their crown as world champions. Emiliano Martinez was the hero once again as he pulled off a brilliant save to deny Kingsley Coman before seeing Aurelien Tchouameni put his spot kick wide of the post moments later.

Gonzalo Montiel scored the winning penalty after sending Lloris the wrong way and immediately broke down in tears. Messi has followed in the footsteps of iconic Argentina star Diego Maradona in lifting the World Cup with his nation.