The World Cup final became much more than a soccer match. It featured a star-packed halftime show, sky-high ticket prices, Donald Trump on the trophy stage, and an extra-time win by Spain.
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.
Trump’s first World Cup appearance created long security lines at the media entrance as TSA and Secret Service agents ran screenings.
While some fans told Front Office Sports it didn’t take long to enter the stadium, the line for media, volunteers, and performers was monstrous. Lines formed early in the morning and took some over three hours to complete. To make matters worse, some photographers received error messages trying to scan in and were sent to another line to seek help.
FIFA’s first World Cup final halftime show was brightly colored and jam-packed with talent. Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber, Shakira, and Burna Boy performed, broken up by appearances from the Muppets and “Ted Lasso” stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt.
Dancers held up flags, globes, and banners spelling out L–O–V–E, with the “O” as planet Earth. The surface-level multiculturalism above a tarp resembling a summer camp tie-dye T-shirt lasted about 12 minutes. The entire halftime took over 27 minutes, surpassing the 15-minute limit dictated by international soccer rules.
After Lamine Yamal, Rodri, and Ferran Torres ended Messi and Argentina’s World Cup run, a giant golden World Cup trophy appeared behind a purple-and-gold stage. FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the leaders of all three host nations, Spanish King Felipe VI, and other figureheads shook hands with players. Trump put medals on both Messi and Yamal.
As he did when Chelsea won the Club World Cup last summer, Infantino tried to get Trump out of the trophy lift photo-op, even briskly crossing the stage to motion to Trump to move away. The U.S. president ignored his friend’s gestures until after the moment Spain lifted the trophy, then turned his back to the cameras, gave Infantino a side-hug, and walked off as gold confetti fell.
James Lang-Imagn Images
‘Invest For Memories’
At $11,327, the World Cup final had the most expensive average ticket price for any sporting event in the U.S., topping the 2024 Super Bowl, according to TickPick.
Two Spanish fans told FOS they each got $6,000 tickets through the Royal Spanish Football Federation. An Argentine fan told FOS he spent $8,000 each for himself and his 3-year-old son.
“For me it’s like, invest for memories,” said Gustavo, who now lives in Tennessee. “Because I remember my dad when I was a kid going with him to watch games.”
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ONE BIG FIG
Costly Mistake
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$279,887
That’s how much prize money Bryson DeChambeau’s two-stroke penalty at the Open Championship ultimately cost the LIV Golf star. DeChambeau finished tied for 14th at Royal Birkdale with a score of -4, six strokes behind winner Ryan Fox.
He earned $234,325 for that result, but would have received $514,212 had he not been penalized for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing during the second round and instead finished in a four-way tie for sixth place at -6. The fallout from DeChambeau protesting the penalty on Friday night led to some strong opinions from players like Rory McIlroy and others, who were not impressed with the situation. Read the story.
DAILY SPORTS TRIVIA
Can you rank the top five NFL QBs by the most career wins as a starter?
STATUS REPORT
One Up, Three Down
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Shohei Ohtani ⬇ The Dodgers have postponed Ohtani’s next pitching start indefinitely as the two-way star continues to deal with discomfort in his left knee. Manager Dave Roberts said the team still expects Ohtani to pitch again this season but acknowledged that it could be “some time” before he’s back on the mound.
Saquon Barkley⬇ The Eagles running back and his family were unharmed after an attempted burglary at their home Saturday. Authorities are investigating whether it is connected to the organized theft rings that have targeted several prominent professional athletes.
Thunder⬆ Oklahoma City reportedly traded Luguentz Dort to the Hawks as part of a three-team deal with the Mavericks. The move brings the defending champs three more second-round picks (they now have seven total), creates a $17 million trade exception, and helps the Thunder get below the NBA’s second apron.
Sandy Brondello⬇The Toronto Tempo coach was suspended one game without pay after comments directed at Atlanta Dream star Angel Reese. Brondello later apologized, saying she intended to criticize the officiating but acknowledged her words “carried an impact beyond what I intended, particularly for Black women in our league.”
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Friday’s result: 65% of respondents think MLS viewership will rise because of the World Cup.
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*Source: Bloomberg L.P., as of June 30, 2026.
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