Pre-match and half-time shows thrill MetLife

The promise had been for a spectacle of football and entertainment lasting over four hours, and the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ final delivered handsomely.

From stunning, high-energy pre-match and half-time performances through fireworks and an inimitable introduction from the one and only Michael Buffer, this was a football experience like no other.

Here, we look back at the eye-catching events that preceded and punctuated Chelsea becoming world champions with a sensational 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain.

An anthemic introduction

Not all the dazzling English displays came from players in Chelsea shirts. The pre-match performance, presented by Visa, saw a gold-clad Robbie Williams join forces with global pop icon Laura Pausini to perform Desire, FIFA’s new Official Anthem, on a spectacular Metlife stage.

Fireworks and a flyover

With US President Donald Trump looking on from the stands, there was a tribute to the FIFA Club World Cup host nation, with powerful performance of the national anthem by Emily Nichols - a sergeant in the Florida National Guard's 13th Army Band - accompanied by a colour guard. That was followed by a dramatic flyover and a dazzling pyrotechnics display as the build-up to kick-off continued.

Ready to rumble

Excitement grew with the return of legendary American ring announcer Michael Buffer, who introduced the teams and delivered his signature line... “Let’s get ready to rumble!”

History made at half-time

For the first time in FIFA history, the stadium was transformed into a major concert-scale experience for the half-time show, produced by Global Citizen and presented by Panini. A purpose-built stage in the upper stands hosted the spectacle, with J Balvin, Doja Cat, Tems, and Emmanuel Kelly joined by surprise guest star Chris Martin, the Coldplay frontman and show curator.