Trump to Join FIFA Trophy Presentation at World Cup Final

President Donald Trump is set to attend the FIFA World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and will take part in the post-match trophy presentation, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The announcement confirms Trump’s first planned appearance at the tournament after questions emerged about his absence from earlier matches.

Speaking to Fox News, Infantino said he would be “be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner of course,” indicating that Trump will be present during the championship celebrations. While FIFA presidents are often accompanied by heads of state or members of royalty from host nations during trophy ceremonies, tournament officials typically present the trophy directly to the winning team’s captain.

Trump, who is known for frequently attending major sporting events, did not appear at the United States Men’s National Team’s opening World Cup match against Paraguay in Los Angeles or its subsequent victory over Australia in Seattle. His absence drew attention because leaders of host nations often attend their country’s opening game.

Infantino did not clarify whether Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum or Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, whose countries are co-hosting the tournament alongside the United States, would participate in the final ceremony. Trump and Infantino previously attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, where Trump personally handed the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James and remained on stage during the team’s trophy celebration.

Confirmation of Trump’s attendance came a day after reports from The Telegraph and The New York Times highlighted his absence from the tournament. The Telegraph described the situation as “perplexing,” noting Trump’s enthusiasm for sports and public events, while The New York Times pointed out that he had previously suggested he planned to attend several matches.

Other host nation leaders have attended opening games in recent tournaments. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was present for Canada’s opening World Cup match against Qatar on June 12. Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended his nation’s opening match in 2022, while Russian President Vladimir Putin was present for Russia’s first game of the 2018 tournament.

The United States currently sits 13th in the FIFA rankings and is not considered among the leading contenders to win the tournament. Prediction market Polymarket places the chances of a U.S. championship at roughly 3%, making it uncertain whether Trump will watch the national team in person if he attends only the final.

Earlier this month, Trump reportedly expressed confidence in the U.S. squad during a phone call with head coach Mauricio Pochettino and captain Tim Ream, telling them, “I think you’ve got a really good chance of going all the way.”

The United States will face Turkey in Los Angeles on Thursday before playing its first Round of 31 match in San Francisco on July 1. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also skipped her country’s opening World Cup match against South Africa. Instead of attending, she gave her VIP ticket to 21-year-old Indigenous woman Yolett Cervantes Cuaquehua of Veracruz and watched the game alongside supporters at a public viewing event in Mexico City.