United States president Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey, where he is scheduled to present the trophy to the champions.
The White House confirmed on Thursday that Trump will be present at the culmination of the tournament, which concludes at the New York New Jersey Stadium. FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Swiss media this week that the presentation ceremony would follow established tradition, with the host nation’s leader joining him to award football’s most prestigious prize.
Previous Trophy Duties
This will not be the first time Trump has performed trophy-handling duties at a major football final in the state. Last summer, he presented the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea at the same venue in East Rutherford, an appearance that drew audible disapproval from sections of the crowd.
On that occasion, Trump remained on stage alongside Chelsea captain Reece James, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and midfielder Cole Palmer during the celebrations. Palmer later admitted he was “a bit confused” by the president’s presence.
Political Intervention
The final marks Trump’s first attendance at a match during this World Cup, though he has maintained a visible presence around the tournament through his relationship with Infantino. The pair have developed a close working rapport, which led to Trump personally intervening in a disciplinary matter earlier in the competition.
Trump contacted Infantino to request a review of the red-card suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the host nation’s last-16 fixture against Belgium. FIFA subsequently overturned the ban, allowing Balogun to feature, though the United States nevertheless exited the tournament following defeat in that match.
Pre-Final Engagements
Ahead of the weekend showpiece, Trump will host a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday. Soccer’s global governing body established an office in the building last year.
The fixture will feature a generational clash between Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who first met when the Barcelona youngster was a baby featured in a charity photoshoot with the veteran forward in 2007.
While Trump prepares for his stadium appearance, Argentina’s president Javier Milei will watch from his official residence due to superstition. Milei admitted he has worn the same oil company-branded jacket throughout the tournament after removing it during a match where Argentina conceded.
White House officials declined to specify whether Trump would favour Spain or Argentina in Sunday’s contest.