Donald Trump’s Role at the 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will take part in the award ceremony for the 2026 World Cup winner. The final match is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Infantino made the announcement during an appearance on Fox & Friends, highlighting the significance of Trump’s involvement in the event. This marks a notable intersection of politics and global sports, as the tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Trump did not attend any 2026 World Cup matches due to his busy schedule. However, he previously presented the trophy at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3–0. Chelsea captain Reece James admitted he had expected a different outcome after receiving the trophy, while Cole Palmer described Trump’s presence at the celebration as somewhat surprising.
Trump’s Broader Sports Involvement
Beyond soccer, Trump has been present at other major sporting events, including:
- UFC tournaments
- the US Open final
- the NBA Finals
He became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. At the same time, Trump stated he would refuse to pay $1,000 for a ticket to a World Cup match.
“Donald Trump’s participation in the 2026 World Cup award ceremony underscores the growing importance of sporting events on the international stage, as well as the influence of political figures in sports.” — Gianni Infantino
The World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, promises to be a landmark event not only for football fans but for the entire world, as it brings together people from diverse nations around a shared passion. Trump, already the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, continues this tradition by actively drawing attention to sports in the U.S.
While Donald Trump is set to present the trophy at the 2026 World Cup, he has opted to miss the tournament's opening match. This decision has raised eyebrows, considering his previous engagements in other high-profile sporting events. For more insights on Trump's absence from the opening ceremony and its implications, read about why he will not attend the start of the tournament here.