Spain claim World Cup title as Trump and pop stars overshadow final
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 in extra time to secure their second World Cup, but the match at MetLife Stadium was dominated by the presence of US President Donald Trump and a controversial half-time show.
Spain have been crowned World Champions for the second time in their history, defeating defending champions Argentina 1-0 in extra time at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The victory, secured at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 19 July 2026, marks the culmination of a tournament in which Spain, managed by Luis de la Fuente, established themselves as the most complete side in the competition.
The decisive moment arrived in the 106th minute when substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal, extending the European side’s unbeaten streak to 38 games across all competitions. The win completes a historic double for Spain following their Euro 2024 triumph, yet the match itself was largely overshadowed by off-pitch events that drew significant attention from global media and political observers.
US President Donald Trump attended the final, arriving via helicopter and taking his seat approximately 20 minutes before kick-off. His presence triggered extensive security measures managed by the US Secret Service, resulting in long entry queues and thorough bag checks for spectators. Gates opened four hours before the match, but confusion over access points and heightened protocols contributed to significant delays for attendees.
The half-time interval lasted 27 minutes and featured a performance by Madonna, BTS, Coldplay, Shakira, and Justin Bieber. The extended break drew mixed reactions from fans and pundits, with former England striker Wayne Rooney describing the performances as "crap" and criticising the timing. The event also included a pre-match speech by actor Tom Cruise and a closing ceremony featuring Robbie Williams and Nicole Scherzinger.
Trump’s involvement extended beyond attendance, with reports indicating he had previously spoken to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the suspension of US striker Folarin Balogun, whose ban was lifted before the USA’s last-16 exit. During the post-match ceremony, Trump lingered on stage during the trophy presentation, similar to his behaviour at the Club World Cup final. He was booed by some spectators and avoided by Argentina defender Cristian Romero, who walked past him after receiving his medal.
The 2026 World Cup was co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, with the United States garnering significant attention due to political controversies and high ticket prices. Public engagement in the US remained low compared to the concurrent NBA Finals, with polls indicating half of Americans were indifferent to the tournament. Despite the low local excitement, the final provided a high-profile platform for political and entertainment figures, cementing its place in history for reasons beyond the football.
