The FIFA World Cup is almost over, and one notable late arrival is President Donald Trump.
This year’s tournament is the biggest in World Cup history, with 48 teams and 104 matches spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. The final is scheduled for Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which FIFA lists as New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Viewers may already have caught sight of famous faces including David Beckham, Mick Jagger and Louis Tomlinson during Wednesday’s England v Argentina match.
Trump, however, has yet to attend any of the tournament’s 102 matches. That is set to change on Sunday, when he is expected to be in attendance for the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Argentina and Spain will face off.
Even before confirming plans to attend in person, Trump had already become part of the conversation around the tournament. The president was linked to the reversal of USA forward Folarin Balogun’s suspension, and reports later suggested he would be permitted to help present the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy to the eventual winners.
The White House has now formally confirmed that he will be at the final.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement shared Thursday (July 16): “On Friday, the president will travel to New York City to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, followed by his attendance on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup, between Spain and Argentina.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.
“This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.”
That description may raise eyebrows, given that the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also been staged across Mexico and Canada.
As is often the custom, the head of state in the country hosting the final typically plays a role in presenting the trophy. Because of that tradition, there has been fresh debate over how involved Trump will be during the post-match ceremony.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has indicated that Trump is likely to join him on stage after the match.
He said during an appearance on Fox & Friends: “We will be together with the President, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together. We are together all the time.”
He added to Swiss outlet Blue Sport: “Yes, hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final. 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.”
The move comes after Trump’s appearance at last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final, which drew mixed reactions. Members of the Chelsea squad appeared unsure after he stayed on the podium longer than expected, while sections of the crowd booed.
Trump’s relationship with FIFA has also been increasingly visible off the pitch, with appearances alongside Infantino at major tournament events helping to place him near the center of the sport’s biggest moments in the United States.