Lots of fanfare, lots of fireworks and lots of Trump at the FIFA Club World Cup final show
A major sporting event in the USA without special show effects? Unthinkable. The Club World Cup final offers a taste of what's to come in 2026.
This began long before kickoff on Sunday afternoon (local time) at MetLife Stadium. The predominant color on the pitch was gold. Robbie Williams performed with Italian pop singer Laura Pausini before kickoff. Together, they sang the FIFA anthem "Desire."
This premiered at the four-week Club World Cup. And it will also be heard at the World Cup finals for national teams in Canada, Mexico, and the USA next year. FIFA President Infantino spoke in advance of the event of "a party" the likes of which football has never seen before.
In honor of the host country, the United States national anthem was played, accompanied by an honor guard. Trump raised his right hand to his forehead in a military salute. A spectacular flyover, accompanied by colorful pyrotechnics, thrilled the audience.
Global artists J Balvin, Doja Cat, and Tems were scheduled to perform later in the halftime show, which also included a special moment with Emmanuel Kelly. The Australian singer would be the first pop artist with a physical disability to perform at a halftime show, according to a FIFA statement.
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