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5d ago

Trump to Co-Present World Cup Trophy as Final Group Matches Produce Late Upsets

FIFA’s decision to have President Trump share the trophy presentation departs from recent custom and raises questions about protocol as the tournament enters the knockout rounds.

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United States' Sebastian Berhalter celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Turkey during the World Cup Group D soccer match in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Thursday, June 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)
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Overview

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend and co-present the World Cup trophy at the July 19 final in New Jersey.
  • Late results in the final group fixtures on Thursday saw Türkiye beat the United States 3-2 with a stoppage‑time winner, Ecuador upset Germany courtesy of a late Gonzalo Plata goal, and Ivory Coast reach the knockouts with a 2-0 win over Curaçao.
  • The United States had already secured top spot in Group D and will face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, while Christian Pulisic returned from injury and played against Türkiye, boosting U.S. options for the knockout stage.
  • FIFA reported cumulative attendance for the 2026 tournament has already exceeded the 1994 World Cup record, underscoring the scale of the three‑nation event.
  • The expanded 48‑team format and Thursday’s shock results have reshaped seeding and third‑place permutations, leaving several knockout paths still to be decided and heightening the importance of remaining group matches for bracket position.