In This Article

  • Spectacle Over Soccer: Club World Cup Final Mimics Super Bowl
  • Celebrity Appearances and High-Tech Performances Dominate
  • Coldplay Halftime Show Delays Match, Wows Crowd
  • Trump Attends, Comments on Soccer Amid Tight Security
  • Chelsea Dominates PSG 3-0 in On-Field Action
  • Unique Trophy Presentation Caps Off Glitzy Event

Key Takeaways

  • The Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG featured a Super Bowl-like spectacle with a pre-match show, celebrity appearances, and a high-tech halftime performance by Coldplay and other artists.
  • Former U.S. President Donald Trump attended the match alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, highlighting the event's crossover into political and entertainment spheres.
  • Chelsea's 3-0 victory over PSG was marked by Cole Palmer's two-goal performance, earning him the Player of the Tournament title.
  • The trophy presentation involved Trump and Infantino, with the trophy designed inspired by NASA's Voyager golden records and pre-opened for efficiency.
  • Security measures were heightened at the stadium, including U.S. Secret Service snipers, due to Trump's presence following an assassination attempt a year prior.

The Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Sunday was less a traditional soccer match and more a spectacle reminiscent of the Super Bowl. Held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, the event featured a dazzling pre-match show, celebrity appearances, and even a performance by Coldplay, leaving fans questioning whether they were watching soccer or an American extravaganza.

The build-up to the match included a military color guard, a dramatic flyover, and a rendition of FIFA’s new official anthem, Desire, performed by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini. The festivities delayed the kick-off by eight minutes, with American ring announcer Michael Buffer delivering his iconic "Let’s get ready to rumble!" line as the teams took the field.

Among the notable attendees were former U.S. President Donald Trump, filmmaker Spike Lee, and pop star Rita Ora. The red carpet was rolled out for celebrities, ex-players, and politicians, adding to the event’s glitzy atmosphere.

The halftime show was equally grandiose, featuring Coldplay’s Chris Martin, J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems. The performance took place on a massive, high-tech stage suspended above the stadium, requiring six semi-trucks to transport 40,000 pounds of equipment. The show delayed the second half by 24 minutes, with PSG’s players waiting on the pitch as Chelsea’s squad re-emerged moments later.

Trump, who watched the match alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, briefly commented during the break, calling soccer a "tremendous sport." Security was heightened at the stadium, with U.S. Secret Service snipers stationed on the roof, likely due to the event occurring a year after an assassination attempt on Trump in Pennsylvania.

On the field, Chelsea delivered a dominant performance, defeating PSG 3-0. Cole Palmer, who scored twice, was named Player of the Tournament. The post-match ceremony saw Trump and Infantino present the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James. Inspired by the periodic table and golden records from NASA’s Voyager probes, the trophy was already in its "open" position when handed to James, sparing him the need for Infantino’s special key.

With its mix of sports and showbiz, the Club World Cup final proved to be a unique blend of soccer and American spectacle, leaving fans and pundits alike debating whether it was more Super Bowl than soccer.

Tags:

#Trump #Club World Cup #Chelsea #PSG #Super Bowl