Trump Attends World Cup Final; Halftime and Closing Shows Feature Star Power

U.S. President Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium near New York to watch the World Cup final, a climactic match between Argentina and Spain in the expanded 48-team tournament. The event was further electrified by performances from stars like Tom Cruise and Madonna.

Trump's helicopter landed near the stadium amidst a large crowd of fans undergoing enhanced security checks. After nearly six weeks of intense competition, the final took place under clear skies, with the lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires having dissipated and the recent heatwave subsiding. The stadium buzzed with anticipation as supporters, clad in Argentina's blue and white or Spain's red and yellow, began arriving hours before kickoff.

The pre-match closing ceremony commenced at 1:30 PM Eastern Time, featuring performances by American rapper Post Malone and actor Tom Cruise. The final match kicked off at 3 PM Eastern Time. British singer Robbie Williams, who released the FIFA song "Desire," performed alongside American singer Nicole Scherzinger and Italian singer Laura Pausini. Tom Cruise, appearing as a "special guest," delivered an emotional speech, stating, "Today there are only two teams left, Spain, and Argentina! Let's all cheer for this tournament that brings the world together."

American artist Jennifer Hudson sang the U.S. national anthem before the game, accompanied by classical crossover tenor Christopher Macchio performing "America the Beautiful," infusing the ceremony with a strong American flavor. The tournament incorporated several American traditions, including designated water breaks for players during matches, which also served as opportunities for commercial breaks, and the awarding of championship rings to the winning team. The halftime show, a special addition, featured American pop icon Madonna and Colombian superstar Shakira in a Super Bowl-caliber performance. Canadian pop star Justin Bieber and South Korean group BTS were also highlights, extending the usual 15-minute halftime break by approximately 12 minutes. Fans supporting both Spain and Argentina filled the stadium, which serves as the home ground for NFL teams the New York Giants and New York Jets, with ticket prices reportedly soaring into the thousands of dollars.

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Today there are only two teams left, Spain, and Argentina! Let's all cheer for this tournament that brings the world together.