Overview
- Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday that he will jointly hand the World Cup trophy to the winners with U.S. President Donald Trump after the July 19 final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
- FIFA and multiple outlets reported that Trump will be present for the final and will take part in the official presentation, though it remains unclear whether he will attend any matches before the final.
- The decision renewed scrutiny because Trump and Infantino have a long personal and institutional relationship, including a FIFA office in Trump Tower and Infantino awarding Trump a FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025.
- Rights group Fairsquare filed a complaint with FIFA's ethics commission, supported by the Norwegian Football Association, saying the high-profile presidential role risks politicising the tournament and breaches FIFA's neutrality rules.
- While heads of state have previously taken part in trophy ceremonies, critics and players remember Trump’s 2025 Club World Cup appearance when he stayed on the winners' podium and confused players, and officials now face possible ethics review and reputational fallout.