FIFA World Cup 2026: Infantino confirms he and Trump will attend WC Final, jointly present trophy to winners
New York, June 23
FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday stated that he and U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup Final together, where they will watch the match and jointly present the trophy to the winning team.
Earlier, talkSPORT reported that FIFA has no objection to Trump handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain and remaining on the podium during celebrations.
"We're going to be together with US President Donald Trump, enjoying the World Cup Final and handing the trophy to the winner together," Infantino said as per Fox News.
The US president had already been informed that FIFA would like him to present the trophy to the tournament winners. Officials from Mexico and Canada are also expected to be invited to attend the closing ceremony.
Trump drew attention at the Club World Cup when he remained on the podium beside Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy.
Chelsea forward Cole Palmer appeared visibly puzzled, while FIFA president Gianni Infantino initially appeared to guide Trump away before later encouraging him to stay.
Under standard FIFA protocol, the World Cup trophy is typically placed on a plinth and carried by the winning team onto the stage for the presentation ceremony.
Trump did not attend the USMNT's opening victory over Paraguay due to a scheduling conflict, but is expected to be present at the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Look, I get that it's a big event in the US, but this whole thing feels wrong. The trophy ceremony is a sacred moment for the winning team. Having a president on stage just distracts from the achievement. Let the players have their moment without the political circus.
World Cup is the biggest sporting event on earth. The trophy should be presented by a football legend, not a politician. When Brazil won in 2002, Ronaldo gave the trophy. When Germany won, Beckenbauer was there. Trump has no connection to the sport. This is just a PR stunt. 😒
I'm American but this makes me uncomfortable. The World Cup is bigger than any one country's politics. Having Infantino and Trump together like this feels like they're using the game for their own agendas. The players deserve better than being a backdrop for photo ops.
As a football fan from India, I'm disappointed. The World Cup unites people across borders. Bringing a divisive politician into the picture doesn't sit right. Also, Infantino seems desperate for validation. Let the sport speak for itself! ⚽️🙏
I get that hosting the World Cup is huge for any country, but why does Trump need to be at the center of everything? It's like he can't let a big event happen without making it about himself. Leave the football to the players and the fans. This is just sad.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.