Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to make a high-profile appearance at the World Cup final on Sunday. He will present the trophy to the winning team, either Spain or Argentina, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The match, held in New Jersey, marks Trump’s first attendance at a World Cup game, despite his known desire for the spotlight.
This appearance is not Trump’s first interaction with the tournament. Less than two weeks ago, he sparked controversy by reportedly calling Infantino. Trump asked FIFA to lift a red card issued to USA striker Folarin Balogun. This request aimed to allow Balogun to play in a last-16 match against Belgium.
Despite the debate surrounding fairness and influence, Trump has praised the 2026 tournament. He called it “the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world” at a FIFA reception in New York. Trump believes the tournament has significantly boosted soccer’s popularity in the United States, a nation traditionally dominated by NFL, baseball, and basketball. He noted that his son, Barron, 20, is a keen soccer fan. First Lady Melania Trump and her father, Viktor Knavs, are expected to join him at the final.
The final could also offer a chance for diplomatic discussions. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and members of the Spanish royal family will attend. This comes after Trump recently criticized Madrid regarding the Iran war and NATO spending. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, leaders of the co-hosting nations, will also be present. Their attendance takes place amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. president.
Security will be tight around the stadium, with a no-fly zone in effect as Trump travels from his New Jersey golf club. Trump has closely linked himself to the World Cup since returning to the Oval Office in January 2025. He often speaks about how he secured the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during his first term.
At a previous event in the same New Jersey stadium, Trump drew attention for remaining on the podium after presenting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea. The team reportedly felt “a bit confused” by this. He later claimed to have kept the trophy, though FIFA stated it was a replica.
