EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — FIFA wanted a big finish, and it got one.
Soccer’s global governing body created a massive spectacle for its World Cup final. FIFA staged an extensive pre-match closing ceremony, a star-studded halftime show, and a glitzy post-match presentation featuring U.S. President Donald Trump crashing the trophy lift. On the pitch, Spain defeated Argentina 1–0 in an extra-time thriller.
The July 19 match marked the end of FIFA’s biggest World Cup ever. The tournament featured 48 teams in 104 matches across 16 host cities, and distributed $655 million in prize money, 50% more than in 2022. FIFA predicted it would make $11 billion in revenue, but that number will be closer to $15 billion, according to The Guardian.
FIFA placed the final at outdoor MetLife Stadium, betting on good weather in the cultural capital of the U.S. Despite a recent heat wave, poor air quality from wildfire smoke, and flooding in New York and New Jersey, FIFA got an 80-degree afternoon with a moderate air quality reading.
Trump’s first World Cup appearance created long security lines at the media entrance as TSA and Secret Service agents ran screenings.
