Dana White Called His Own Team the Worst. Then the World Cup Final Happened.

Dana White spent a week apologizing for his own production crew. After Sunday’s World Cup final, he’s officially handing the trophy to someone else.

The UFC president went on a profane, six-minute rant on Instagram Monday night aimed directly at the production team behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Spain had just dismantled Argentina 3-0 in a game that wasn’t even that close. But White wasn’t talking about Rodri’s goal or Messi’s quiet night. He was laser-focused on the people operating the cameras and graphics.

“You know what’s crazy?” White said in the video. “I actually tee’d up the guys who are doing the production of the World Cup for you guys to hit a grand slam home run. Even though everybody in my team was arguing with me, saying you are the worst, I said, ‘No, we are the worst.’”

White was referencing the mess at UFC 329 two weeks ago, where his own broadcast team accidentally labeled boxer Shakur Stevenson as NBA player Jalen Williams. He called that the worst celebrity-ID screw-up in sports production history. Then he watched the World Cup final and changed his mind.

What Went Wrong on the Broadcast

White didn’t call out a specific mistake. But viewers at home had plenty to pick at. At one point, a commentator confused Pharrell Williams with A$AP Rocky. Later, someone on the broadcast reportedly identified Matt Damon as Brad Pitt. Damon is not Brad Pitt. These are different guys.

“So what do you guys do? You triple down today and just go ‘f*** you Dana White, you’re not beating us!” he continued. “We are the worst production team in the history of sports to ever show celebrities. I bow down. Congratulations to the producers of the World Cup. You guys win. You guys f***ed up that flyover too!”

The flyover reference appears to be about the pregame aerial display at MetLife Stadium, which some viewers said was mistimed or misaligned with the anthem. Fans online noted it looked rushed.

White’s Apology Tour Takes a Detour

For context, White had spent the past week telling anyone who would listen that the UFC’s production team was the low bar. He said he took full responsibility for the Stevenson-Williams mix-up and promised to fix their processes. Now he’s saying FIFA’s crew is in a category of its own.

“We are the second worst,” White declared. “You guys absolutely f***ing suck.”

The rant went viral almost immediately. Championship Rounds posted the clip on X, and it racked up millions of views within hours. White has not clarified whether he’ll reach out to FIFA directly or just let this stand as his official review.

Either way, he’s retired the crown. UFC’s production team is off the hook. For now.