Soccer-With Security Lines and Star-Studded Spectacle, World Cup Prepares for Final Showdown
Trump’s expected attendance and a halftime show with Madonna and Shakira are adding security and a Super Bowl-style spectacle.
- On Sunday, New York New Jersey stadium hosts the World Cup final between Spain, seeking a second title, and defending champion Argentina led by Lionel Messi.
- President Donald Trump's expected attendance added extra security layers, with Secret Service agents screening hundreds of journalists and volunteers at the stadium, home to the NFL's New York Giants and Jets.
- Clear skies and tempered heat greeted crowds at East Rutherford, New Jersey, as smoke from wildfires in Canada that blanketed the region for days finally evaporated.
- The halftime show features pop stars Madonna and Shakira, while the pre-match ceremony includes American performers Post Malone, Tom Cruise, Jennifer Hudson, and Christopher Macchio singing "America the Beautiful."
- Dozens of ticketholders lined up for merchandise at $130 jerseys, while fans noted the tournament adopted controversial American traditions including "hydration" breaks for broadcasters' commercials.
26 Articles
26 Articles
’Love’ and ’solidarity’? World Cup show sparks US hypocrisy row
The traditional American-style halftime show made its World Cup debut during Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium, but the spectacle quickly drew criticism over its messaging, commercialisation and hypocrisy. Produced by anti-poverty organisation Global Citizen, the 12-minute show featured appearances by Shakira, Madonna, Justin Bieber and K-pop group BTS. Coldplay and the PS22 Chorus closed the performan…
Tom Cruise—and Other Celebrities Who Make More Sense—Had a Blast at the World Cup Final
Even if you were not interested in the actual “soccer” element of the World Cup over the last six weeks, there were a great many reasons to watch: drama, pageantry, hottie players, and a number of celebrities in attendance that seemed to grow in direct proportion to the importance of the game. Last night’s final—between Argentina and Spain, with Spain blessedly emerging victorious (sorry, Lionel Messi)—was especially star-studded, in especially …
FIFA World Cup Final Security: 9/11 Comparisons Swirl as New Jersey Governor Urges Vigilance Ahead of Trump Visit
A viral warning about the security posture surrounding football's biggest match has collided with the reality of hosting a sitting US president at a stadium built for 80,000 people. New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill has twice gone public with safety messages in the run-up to Sunday's FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium. She first urged residents to report suspicious activity as the tournament opened, then address…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 45% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
