Trump confirmed for World Cup final trophy presentation after FIFA backs his involvement

Donald Trump will be present at the 2026 World Cup final in New York on Sunday, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirming the 80-year-old’s attendance. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has also indicated the two will jointly present the trophy to the winners of Spain vs Argentina.

Speaking to Blue Sport, Infantino said: “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 — for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president.”

The arrangement follows a precedent set at the Club World Cup, where Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James before remaining on the stage during the celebrations. James noted the moment afterward: “They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.”

Trump’s involvement in the tournament has not been without controversy. He contacted Infantino directly regarding a red card shown to USA forward Folarin Balogun during the round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Balogun subsequently had his ban suspended and was available for the round of 16 clash against Belgium, though the United States lost that game 4-1.

Despite playing a prominent role in the tournament’s build-up — the World Cup is co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico — Trump had not attended any matches prior to the final. Infantino awarded him FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December at the World Cup draw.

Spain secured their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over tournament favourites France, while Argentina came from behind to beat England 2-1 in their semi-final. England and France will meet in a third-place play-off on Saturday night at the Miami Stadium before Sunday’s showpiece.