Trump expected to award World Cup trophy on Sunday

Presidential Attendance and Trophy Presentation Plans

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday that President Donald Trump will be present at the final match in East Rutherford, New Jersey. While the White House has not publicly confirmed that the president will hand the trophy to the winning team, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly described a plan for such a presentation, noting the precedent set by past host countries.

Infantino previously stated that he and Trump would be enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together. This involvement aligns with historical precedents set by leaders of past host nations. At the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, the emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, joined Infantino to award the trophy to Argentina captain Lionel Messi. At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Vladimir Putin presented medals to the victorious French players. Heads of state of host countries also attended World Cup finals in 2014 and 2010.

Precedent from the 2025 Club World Cup

Trump’s expected role on Sunday follows his appearance at the Club World Cup final last summer, also held at MetLife Stadium. During that event, where Chelsea triumphed against Paris Saint-Germain, the president remained on the podium during the trophy lift, standing between Robert Sánchez and Cole Palmer.

I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy, Palmer said. I was a bit confused.

For more on this story, see Philipp Lahm Accuses FIFA’s Infantino of “Selling” the World Cup and Cozying Up to Trump.

Reece James also reflected on the event: Before, they told me he was going to present the trophy, and then exit the stage. I thought that he was gonna exit the stage. But I think he wanted to stay.

As reported, the boos rang out for Trump during that ceremony, similar to reactions at Madison Square Garden when he watched the New York Knicks’ sole loss during the NBA finals in June. Trump later characterized the audience response as mostly cheers, stating, It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.

Logistics and Tournament Involvement

Despite being a prominent figure in the buildup to the 2026 tournament—including the announcement of the World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the creation of a FIFA “Peace Prize” awarded to him by Infantino—Trump had not previously attended any matches throughout the tournament, which was co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. His administration’s most significant intervention occurred when Trump contacted FIFA to lobby for a review into American star Folarin Balogun’s red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina. The subsequent reversal of the forward’s last-16 suspension drew a mixed reaction from American soccer fans and criticism from foreign fans.

Ahead of the final, the White House has framed the tournament as a success. His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure and most successful World Cup in American history, Leavitt said, describing the upcoming final as a fitting conclusion to the event.

In addition to the match, Trump is scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday.