The half-time show unfolded on an enormous stage, strategically positioned atop the MetLife Stadium’s highest tier.
The spectacle more closely resembled the build-up to the Super Bowl than a conventional football match between two of Europe’s premier clubs.
The countdown to Sunday’s Club World Cup final, pitting Chelsea against European champions Paris St-Germain, was a vibrant, captivating, and potentially perplexing experience for football enthusiasts outside the United States.
A military color guard, a dramatic aerial flyover, and a performance by Robbie Williams – all conducted before the gaze of U.S. President Donald Trump – represented just a fraction of the pre-match fanfare at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Indeed, the extensive pre-game programming resulted in the match commencing at 20:08 BST, a full eight minutes beyond its originally scheduled kick-off.
On the field, Chelsea delivered a commanding performance, securing a 3-0 victory over PSG against prevailing expectations.
Off the pitch? BBC Sport endeavors to provide clarity amid the spectacle.
Palmer inspires Chelsea to stunning win over PSG in Club World Cup final
‘We’ve never seen a team do this to PSG’ – how Chelsea won Club World Cup
Who profited most from Club World Cup $1bn prize pot?
Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini perform Fifa’s official new anthem, Desire, before kick-off
Officially, Sunday’s pre-match action was divided into three parts.
Following the ‘countdown to the final’ – which featured a drumming ensemble and a massive inflatable replica of the Club World Cup trophy – Williams and pop artist Laura Pausini performed FIFA’s newly designated official anthem, “Desire.”
This was succeeded by a tribute to the tournament’s hosts, encompassing the U.S. national anthem, a military color guard, an aerial flyover by military aircraft, and an elaborate pyrotechnic display.
Upon the arrival of the two teams onto the pitch, American ring announcer Michael Buffer delivered his signature “let’s get ready to rumble!” proclamation, a customary feature throughout the competition.
A red carpet was also in place for celebrities, former players, and political figures entering MetLife Stadium prior to the match, with attendees including American film director Spike Lee, former Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and pop star Rita Ora – in addition to President Trump.
Further spectacle was scheduled for the half-time interval.
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President Trump watched the final alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino
FIFA’s inaugural half-time show showcased vibrant performances from Coldplay’s Chris Martin, as well as fellow singers J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems – all staged on an immense, technologically advanced platform erected in the lead-up to the final. The stage was then elevated and affixed to the upper tier of the stadium, just beneath the roof.
This measure was implemented to prevent any damage to the playing surface during the interval of such a significant match.
The transportation of the necessary materials required six semi-trucks, carrying 40,000 pounds of equipment, scenery, and structural trusses.
Unsurprisingly, the half-time entertainment caused a delay to the resumption of play. PSG’s players remained on the pitch during the show’s conclusion, while Chelsea’s players emerged a few minutes later.
The second half eventually commenced 24 minutes after the half-time whistle, but not before President Trump offered his observations.
Prior to PSG’s restart, Trump briefly spoke to DAZN reporter Emily Austin, stating: “I’m having a really great time. Tremendous sport.”
A US Secret Service sniper stands guard before the game
When not engaged in offering his perspectives on the match, President Trump observed the proceedings from the stands alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Considering the final occurred a year to the day after the attempted assassination of President Trump in Pennsylvania, the heightened security protocols at MetLife Stadium were unsurprising.
The United States Secret Service maintained an armed presence on location, with snipers strategically positioned on the roof of MetLife Stadium.
Official sources were hesitant to confirm rumors that President Trump was being prepared for an interview with DAZN, which was teased briefly at half-time and broadcast in its entirety following the conclusion of the match.
BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella noted before kick-off: “It took twice as long for me to reach my position in the stadium with increased filtering and checks.
“There seems to be a more tense attitude from the security at the 82,500-seater arena.”
Reece James prepares to lift the Club World Cup trophy – under the watchful eye of President Trump
The post-match activities commenced in a lively manner, as both teams became embroiled in a scuffle following the final whistle. However, once tensions subsided, President Trump and Mr. Infantino presented the awards.
Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia received the top scorer award, PSG’s Desire Doue was recognized as the tournament’s best young player, Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez claimed the golden glove award, and Cole Palmer – Chelsea’s two-goal hero in the final – was named the player of the tournament.
Following the medal presentations to both teams, President Trump and Mr. Infantino presented the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James.
According to FIFA, the design of the Club World Cup trophy is inspired by the periodic table and the historic golden records launched into space aboard the Voyager probes.
The trophy can also be “opened” using a specialized key, the use of which is exclusively reserved for Mr. Infantino.
Perhaps to the relief of Captain James and his teammates, the trophy was already in its “open” configuration when it was presented to the Chelsea skipper.
With President Trump positioned directly among the Chelsea squad, having chosen to remain in the center rather than exiting, James lifted the enormous trophy into the East Rutherford sky as the celebrations began in earnest – nearly three hours after the initial kick-off.
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