Officially, Sunday’s pre-match action was divided into three parts.
After the ‘countdown to the final’ – featuring, among other things, a drumming display and a huge inflatable model of the Club World Cup trophy – Williams and pop star Laura Pausini performed Fifa’s new official anthem, Desire.
This was followed by a tribute to the tournament hosts, including the US national anthem, a colour guard, a military flyover and a dazzling firework display.
When the two sets of players had finally entered the pitch, American ring announcer Michael Buffer delivered his iconic “let’s get ready to rumble!” line before kick-off – as has been the case throughout the competition.
There was also a red carpet for celebrities, ex-players and politicians to enter the MetLife Stadium before the match, with notable attendees including American film director Spike Lee, former Emir of Qatar Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and pop star Rita Ora – as well as Trump.
There was plenty more to come at half-time, after Chelsea had stunned Luis Enrique’s side by racing into a 3-0 lead.
