Chelsea Clinches Title in Dominant Fashion
Chelsea delivered a commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium to win the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup under its new format. Goals from Cole Palmer and João Pedro sealed the win in a match that was, from a sporting perspective, a showcase of the Premier League team’s strength. Yet it was former President Donald Trump who drew much of the attention off the field.
The presence of Trump and First Lady Melania Trump at the final added a political twist to the global sporting event. While their entrance was met with applause by some spectators, it was the former president’s unexpected participation in the trophy ceremony that raised eyebrows across the stadium and online.
Mixed Reception and Unusual Involvement
Trump’s appearance during the national anthem on the stadium’s big screens was met with noticeable boos from sections of the crowd. A similar reaction followed when he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the field post-match to present medals to the winning team.
The moment turned even more unconventional when Trump remained on stage as Infantino stepped away. This led to confusion among Chelsea players, who hesitated before lifting the trophy. Eventually, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez motioned for captain Reece James to proceed, resulting in Trump standing at the center of the team celebration.
Trump’s presence during the ceremony defied typical football tradition, where political figures rarely remain on stage during the emotional and symbolic act of lifting a championship trophy. The moment drew a flurry of commentary online and raised questions about whether his involvement had been coordinated with FIFA in full detail.
Reactions From Players and Officials
Chelsea players later voiced their surprise at the situation. Cole Palmer, who was named player of the tournament, admitted he had expected to see Trump at the match but not on the podium during the trophy moment. Reece James echoed the sentiment, saying he was told Trump would present the award and then exit the stage, which did not happen as expected.
Adding to the spectacle, images circulated on social media that appeared to show Trump receiving a winner’s medal. CNN Sports reached out to FIFA for clarification on whether the medal had been officially awarded and if the former president was scheduled to remain on stage throughout the ceremony.
Notably, Trump was seen during the match seated with Infantino and joined by high-profile guests including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, NFL icon Tom Brady, and media executive Rupert Murdoch.
A Showpiece With American Flair
Beyond the football and politics, the final itself took on the flavor of a typical American entertainment event. Unlike most global soccer tournaments, the Club World Cup final featured a halftime show with performances by Coldplay, J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly. The fusion of sports and showbiz added to the atmosphere of the event, which marked the close of a tournament filled with extreme weather disruptions and global participation.
As the spotlight now turns to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the final in New Jersey served as a reminder that international soccer, when staged on American soil, often comes with an extra layer of unpredictability and spectacle.