FIFA Club World Cup: Trump, Fireworks and Coldplay – Was This Even About Football?

Beautiful things are usually expected at a FIFA Club World Cup final, but few anticipated the spectacle that unfolded on Sunday night in New Jersey.

When Chelsea faced European champions Paris St-Germain at the MetLife Stadium, it felt less like a football match and more like America’s biggest sporting extravaganza – the Super Bowl itself.

From the outset, the build-up was saturated with glitz, star power and elaborate pageantry as per BBC Sport. A military colour guard, a roaring flyover, and a pre-match concert featuring Robbie Williams transformed the occasion into something part pop festival, part political rally.

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Adding to the surreal scene, US president Donald Trump presided over the night, flanked by Fifa supremo Gianni Infantino, a sea of Secret Service agents, and an array of global celebrities.

Kick-off was scheduled for 20:00 BST, but it was almost inevitable it would be delayed. After all, a countdown ceremony, colossal inflatables and a dramatic performance of Fifa’s new official anthem Desire by Williams and Laura Pausini can take time. When American ring announcer Michael Buffer finally delivered his iconic “let’s get ready to rumble!” line, the football itself felt like an afterthought.

On the pitch, Chelsea stunned PSG with a dominant 3-0 win. Off the pitch, it was the theatre surrounding the match that left football purists and casual viewers alike scratching their heads.

The pre-match ritual was only the beginning of an unprecedented spectacle. Before the first whistle, a red carpet welcomed luminaries such as film director Spike Lee, former Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, pop star Rita Ora, and of course, Trump himself. Security was tighter than ever – no surprise given the match fell exactly one year after an assassination attempt on the former president.

BBC Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella summed up the atmosphere: “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.” High above, snipers scanned the crowd while Secret Service agents patrolled the corridors.

If the pre-match show felt excessive, the half-time entertainment raised the bar even higher.

In a first for Fifa, a half-time concert was staged – but not on the pitch. A high-tech platform had been built above the arena, then hoisted up near the roof to protect the grass. Coldplay’s Chris Martin led a lineup that included J Balvin, Doja Cat and Tems, delivering a spectacle so elaborate that it delayed the second half by 24 minutes.

While PSG’s players lingered on the field, Chelsea disappeared down the tunnel, re-emerging only after the final note had sounded. Trump took the opportunity to share his thoughts with DAZN reporter Emily Austin: “I’m having a really great time. Tremendous sport.”

The night ended in fittingly dramatic fashion. After a post-match brawl was broken up, Trump and Infantino reappeared to hand out awards.

Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Garcia was named top scorer, PSG’s Desire Doue took young player honours, Chelsea’s Robert Sanchez won the golden glove, and two-goal hero Cole Palmer was crowned player of the tournament.

In the final act, Reece James stepped forward to lift the Club World Cup trophy – an object inspired by the periodic table and the golden records sent aboard Voyager probes. With Trump standing front and centre, James hoisted it into the New Jersey night as fireworks erupted and confetti rained down.

It was football, technically – but in spirit, it felt much more like America’s favourite spectacle.