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yesterday

Trump to Co‑Present World Cup Trophy at MetLife Final

FIFA’s decision departs from recent practice by allowing a sitting U.S. president to share the presentation and raises new security, logistical and reputational questions.

Folarin Balogun of the United States shoots during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group D match between USA and Australia in Seattle, Washington, on June 19, 2026.
Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi listens as President Donald Trump speaks during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House on March 19, 2026.
President Donald Trump holds the World Cup Trophy in the Oval Office of the White House on August 22, 2025.
Trucks cross the US-Canada border along the Ambassador Bridge in Windsor, Ontario, on March 8, 2025.

Overview

  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed on Fox & Friends that President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final and co-present the trophy, with the ceremony scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
  • Multiple outlets report that FIFA has permitted Trump to hand the trophy directly to the winning captain, which departs from recent protocol under which the FIFA president alone presented the prize.
  • Trump has not attended matches so far in the tournament and White House task force official Andrew Giuliani cited the president’s busy schedule as the reason for his earlier absence.
  • Security and logistics teams face heightened demands because Secret Service protection, crowd management and stadium broadcaster plans must be coordinated for a sitting president’s appearance; past incidents include players’ bemused reactions when Trump lingered onstage during the 2025 Club World Cup ceremony.
  • Observers note the move reflects Infantino’s rapport with Trump and points to broader reputational scrutiny for FIFA since heads of state have presented trophies historically but recent practice had been for the FIFA president to lead the ceremony.