Trump will attend the World Cup final, confirms
According to News.
Context
Donald Trump, president of the United States, will have a prominent role in the 2026 World Cup final, confirming his participation in the awards ceremony. His presence is awaited with particular interest, especially considering that he did not attend any other matches of the tournament. This event marks an important intersection between sports and politics, with Trump joining Gianni Infantino and leading figures in world football.
Why it matters
Donald Trump's presence at the 2026 World Cup final represents a significant moment not only for football, but also for international relations. His participation in the awards ceremony highlights the importance of the tournament, which involves three nations, and its role in promoting soccer in the United States. Furthermore, the final between Argentina and Spain increases global interest, drawing attention to two of the most famous footballing nations.
Key points
- Trump will be present at the World Cup final, confirms.
- United States President Donald Trump will be present at the 2026 World Cup final, which will take place on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, confirming his participation in the trophy award ceremony.
- Trump to await World Cup final, White House confirms - The Athletic.
Trump's expected presence is part of a consolidated tradition. At the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, joined Infantino in handing the trophy to Argentina captain, Lionel Messi. Al Thani also wrapped Messi in a bisht, a traditional Qatari cloak, before the awards ceremony. In the previous World Cup in Russia in 2018, Vladimir Putin awarded the winning French players with medals. Heads of state from host countries have also attended the World Cup finals in 2014, 2010 and previously.
Trump already presented the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea last summer. He attended and took part in the post-match celebrations during the Club World Cup final, also held at MetLife Stadium. During that ceremony, Trump remained on the podium after the trophy was presented to the Chelsea players and stood next to captain Reece James as the trophy was lifted for the first time. "They told me earlier that he would be the one to present the trophy and then he would walk off stage," James said after the event. "I thought he was going to leave. But I think he wanted to stay."
Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship since Trump's first term, and Infantino cultivated this relationship throughout 2025 as World Cup logistics took shape. When they jointly announced last summer that the December World Cup draw would be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and when Infantino created a FIFA Peace Prize to be awarded to Trump, it seemed that Trump would be a prominent figure during this World Cup. On at least one occasion, Trump hinted that he planned to attend more games. However, he has not participated in any match before the final so far. Members of his Cabinet attended U.S. men's national team games in California and Seattle, but neither Trump nor Vice President J.D. Vance appeared in the first 102 games, 76 of which were held in 11 stadiums across the United States. Trump's most significant intervention in the tournament to date was his call to Infantino earlier this month, in which he asked the FIFA president to review the red card suspension of American forward Folarin Balogun.
What happens now
After the FIFA reception at Trump Tower, Trump will head to MetLife Stadium to watch the final. He is expected to attend the awards ceremony, where he could present the trophy to the winner, following the tradition established in previous editions of the World Cup. The presence of prominent figures such as Trump and Gianni Infantino could influence the visibility and prestige of the tournament, making the final a memorable event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who confirmed Trump's presence at the World Cup final?
Trump's presence was confirmed by White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt.
What will Trump do at the World Cup final?
Trump will participate in the final and the trophy award ceremony.
Why didn't Trump attend other matches of the tournament?
It was not specified why Trump did not attend other matches of the tournament.
When and where will Trump go before the final?
Trump will travel to New York on Friday to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower.
Which teams will compete in the World Cup final?
The World Cup final will be between Argentina and Spain.
