Overview
- Gianni Infantino told Fox that President Donald Trump will be in the stands for the World Cup final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium and will join the FIFA president on stage to present the trophy.
- Infantino’s announcement was made Tuesday and marks an unusual departure from the long‑standing practice of the FIFA president alone delivering the World Cup trophy.
- Trump has largely stayed away from earlier tournament matches and sent Secretary of State Marco Rubio to represent the administration at the U.S. opener.
- Recent fan chants linking Trump to Jeffrey Epstein and loud boos during his prior appearance at last year’s Club World Cup had briefly put his attendance in doubt and prompted White House concern about exposing him to hostile crowds.
- The joint presentation raises political and security questions for organizers and the White House, and observers will be watching for crowd reaction and any changes to match‑day security plans at MetLife.