Donald Trump turns MetLife into a bunker for 2026 World Cup Final

MetLife Stadium is now under lockdown. Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final, and security around the venue has already been dramatically increased. The U.S. president is expected to present the World Cup trophy to the winning team after the game.

Security measures have been intensified throughout the stadium and surrounding area, with movement expected to be kept to an absolute minimum while Trump is inside the venue for the tournament’s showpiece event.

The operation also extends to the air. Drones will be used to enforce a restricted airspace over the stadium, while police officers will monitor activity from elevated positions inside MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Jets and New York Giants.

Spain’s King Felipe VI will lead a large political and sporting delegation supporting the national team in its second World Cup final. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rearranged his schedule to attend and will be in the VIP section alongside Spain’s Minister of Sport, Milagros Tolón. José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes, Spain’s Secretary of State for Sport, will also be in New Jersey.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are also expected among the heads of state attending the final. Argentina’s President Javier Milei, however, will not be present.

Invited by either the Spanish Football Federation or FIFA will be several members of Spain’s 2010 World Cup-winning squad, including Vicente del Bosque, Iker Casillas, Pepe Reina, Raúl Albiol, Carles Puyol, Carlos Marchena, Sergio Busquets, Cesc Fàbregas, Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Jesús Navas, Pedro Rodríguez, Fernando Llorente and David Villa. They will join almost 100 former stars who have been in the United States throughout the tournament.

The federation has also invited Álvaro Morata, who was Spain’s captain until last year. Samu Aghehowa and Jesús Rodríguez will accompany the Como forward, while other current internationals were unable to attend because of preseason commitments.

The 17-minute halftime show will feature an extraordinary lineup including Madonna, Shakira, BTS, Justin Bieber, Gustavo Dudamel, Coldplay with the PS22 Chorus and Burna Boy. Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger and Tom Cruise are also expected to make appearances.

FIFA says the closing ceremony will begin at 1:30 p.m. ET, 90 minutes before kickoff. Stadium gates at New York New Jersey Stadium will open at 11:00 a.m. ET.

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