Donald Trump will attend the World Cup 2026 final and help present the trophy to the winning captain. The confirmation came from FIFA president Gianni Infantino himself, now a close friend of the US president. The final takes place on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. And for England fans, one image is impossible to ignore: Trump handing the trophy to Tuchel’s captain on American soil.
What Infantino Actually Said
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed to Fox that Donald Trump will be at the 19 July final and will take part in the trophy presentation. “We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course,” he said.
Trump, 80, is yet to attend a single game since the tournament kicked off on 11 June, though an earlier appearance before the final is not ruled out. The World Cup is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, with the White House treating it as a major political showcase.
Why It Matters for England
If England reach the final, it will be Trump who hands the trophy to the Three Lions’ captain. The image would be striking: a US president crowning England as world champions on American soil, just outside New York.
Thomas Tuchel’s side sit among the favourites for the tournament. Lifting the trophy at MetLife Stadium would end England’s wait since 1966 — and do so on one of the most politically charged stages the final has ever seen.
Trump and FIFA: A Growing Alliance
In December, Trump received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, just before the draw for the 2026 World Cup. Infantino now describes him as a “close friend,” underlining an increasingly open relationship between football’s governing body and the US presidency.
Not everyone is comfortable with it. Critics argue that putting a head of state at the heart of the trophy ceremony blurs the line between sport and politics. For FIFA, it guarantees a global spotlight on the showpiece.
FAQ
Will Trump really present the World Cup 2026 trophy?
Yes. Gianni Infantino confirmed that Donald Trump will attend the final and take part in presenting the trophy to the winners.
When and where is the final?
The final will be played on 19 July 2026 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside New York.
Has Trump attended any games at the tournament?
No. So far the US president has not attended any match since the World Cup began on 11 June.
What happens if England reach the final?
If England make the final, Trump would hand the trophy to the England captain should the Three Lions win.
Why is Trump so closely linked to FIFA?
He received the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December, and Infantino now regards him as a close friend.
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