Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday. This historic appearance marks the first time a sitting U.S. president has attended a World Cup final on home soil, showcasing America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.
Trump’s Role at the World Cup Final
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump will hand the World Cup trophy to the winners at New Jersey New York Stadium. “Yes, hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final,” Infantino said. “That’s always been the plan, and that’s how it’s always been done in the past – the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president.”
This tradition echoes previous finals: at the 2022 World Cup final, the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, joined Infantino to award the trophy to Lionel Messi and his Argentina teammates. Vladimir Putin awarded it to Kylian Mbappé and France after their win at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Trump’s History at Sporting Events
Trump was front and center for the final of last summer’s Club World Cup at the same stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, presenting the trophy to champions Chelsea and drawing loud boos from the crowd. While Trump has not yet attended a game at this World Cup, he has nevertheless played a significant role. He has a close relationship with Infantino, and called the FIFA president to lobby for a review of USA star Folarin Balogun’s controversial red-card suspension before their last-16 match. FIFA did reverse Balogun’s ban, but the political circus cast a pall over the US team, who exited a promising World Cup with a flat loss to Belgium.
Since his reelection, Trump has made several appearances at major sporting events, including the Super Bowl, tennis’s US Open, the Daytona 500, and golf’s Ryder Cup. This year, he has attended several golf events, further cementing his presence in the sports world.
Comparison of World Cup Trophy Presentations
| Year | Host Country | Presenter | Winning Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | USA | Donald Trump (expected) | TBD |
| 2022 | Qatar | Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani | Argentina |
| 2018 | Russia | Vladimir Putin | France |
Key Takeaways
- Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final in New Jersey.
- He is expected to present the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- Trump’s involvement follows a pattern of U.S. presidents attending major global sports events.
- The final features Spain vs. Argentina, two powerhouse teams.
- Trump’s relationship with Infantino influenced a key FIFA decision earlier in the tournament.
FAQ
When is the World Cup final?
The World Cup final takes place on Sunday, with Spain facing Argentina.
Will Donald Trump present the trophy?
Yes, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump will hand the trophy to the winners at New Jersey New York Stadium.
Has Trump attended other World Cup matches?
No, Trump has not attended any games at this World Cup, but he attended the Club World Cup final last summer and has been active in other major sports events.
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