Trump will present the trophy at the 2026 World Cup final

United States President Donald Trump, aged 80, will attend the 2026 World Cup final and participate in the trophy presentation to the winner. The announcement was made by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who confirmed Trump would be present at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19 for the event.

The World Cup, which began on June 11, is being held this year in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The U.S. alone is hosting 78 of the 104 matches in the tournament. Trump has not yet attended any matches but may make an appearance before the final. Infantino, who has become a close ally of the U.S. president, told Fox, “We will be together with the president to enjoy the final and, of course, present the trophy to the winner.” When asked about a possible joint presentation, he added, “Of course, we are together all the time.”

A president already accustomed to trophy presentations

Trump’s involvement in trophy ceremonies is not new. Last summer, he remained on the winner’s podium at MetLife Stadium after presenting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea’s Reece James. The player later revealed, “I was told he was going to present the trophy and leave the stage, and I thought he would, but he wanted to stay.” Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House task force for the World Cup, told *The Telegraph* that Trump enjoys “leaving people wanting more.” He has not yet attended a match due to his busy schedule. Trump was present at the UFC event at the White House last week and was booed upon his arrival at the NBA Finals in New York, where he attended the third game, won 115-111 by the San Antonio Spurs against the New York Knicks. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be another stage for the U.S. president, who was already awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize in December before the tournament draw. Trump's presence at the 2026 World Cup final adds an unprecedented political and media dimension to the event. The MetLife Stadium, located in New Jersey, will be the stage for a historic moment, with a trophy presentation ceremony expected to be watched by millions of viewers worldwide. Infantino emphasized the importance of this collaboration, referring to a "union" between sport and politics to celebrate football. Mae West was right: the 2026 World Cup pushes excess to its limits, a phenomenon that Trump's presence is sure to amplify. As the tournament continues with high-stakes matches, anticipation builds for the final. Trump, whose presence has already sparked mixed reactions at recent sporting events, could once again leave a lasting impression. It remains to be seen whether he will attend other matches before July 19, or if his appearance will be limited to the World Cup's climax.