United States President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium, with the White House confirming he will be present for the tournament’s showpiece event.
The announcement ends weeks of speculation after FIFA president Gianni Infantino revealed in June that Trump was expected to attend the final and present the trophy to the winners. Official confirmation from the White House came on Thursday.
Trump’s appearance marks his first attendance at a match during the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, and comes ahead of the country co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
White House confirms attendance
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the President’s attendance as a fitting conclusion to the tournament.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.”
She added:
“This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.”
Before Sunday’s final, Trump is also scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, further highlighting his involvement with football’s governing body.
Trump to present the World Cup trophy
Trump has maintained a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino in recent years, with the pair appearing together at several football-related events.
Infantino previously confirmed that the US President would hand the World Cup trophy to the winning captain after Sunday’s final; a role traditionally performed by heads of state or senior dignitaries.
Leavitt declined to say which team Trump would support when Spain face defending champions Argentina.
Previous World Cup controversy
Although this will be Trump’s first match attendance at the tournament, he has already been at the centre of controversy.
Earlier in the competition, Trump revealed he had contacted Infantino over the red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun. FIFA later overturned the player’s suspension before the Americans’ Round of 16 match against Belgium, prompting debate over the decision.
Trump has also repeatedly credited himself with helping secure the United States’ successful bid to co-host the World Cup.
Spotlight on trophy ceremony
Sunday’s presentation is expected to attract significant attention following last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final at the same venue.
After Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain, Trump presented the trophy to captain Reece James but remained on the podium during the team’s celebrations, creating one of the most talked-about moments of the ceremony.
With Spain and Argentina now set to contest football’s biggest prize, Trump is once again expected to take centre stage as he presents the FIFA World Cup trophy to the newly crowned champions.
