United States President Donald Trump is expected to play a prominent role at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, where Spain and Argentina will battle for football’s biggest prize in New Jersey.
Trump is scheduled to join FIFA President Gianni Infantino in presenting the World Cup trophy to the winning team, capping off a tournament in which the US president has remained closely associated with football’s global showpiece.
Although this will be the first World Cup match Trump has attended during the tournament, his influence has already been felt well beyond the stands.
Earlier this month, Trump sparked widespread debate after personally contacting Infantino to request that USA striker Folarin Balogun’s suspension be lifted following a red card, allowing him to feature in the United States’ last-16 clash against Belgium. The request drew criticism from some football observers, who questioned whether political influence should have any place in decisions governed by the sport’s disciplinary processes.
Despite the controversy, Trump has repeatedly praised the tournament, describing it as a landmark event for both football and the United States.
“This has been the most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world. It’s been amazing,” Trump said during a FIFA reception hosted with Infantino at Trump Tower in New York.
He also argued that the competition had changed perceptions of football in America.
“It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” he said, adding that his son Barron is an enthusiastic supporter of the game.
First Lady Melania Trump is expected to attend the final alongside the president, accompanied by her father, Viktor Knavs.
Football Meets Diplomacy
Beyond the action on the pitch, Sunday’s final is also expected to become an important diplomatic gathering.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and members of Spain’s royal family are due to attend despite recent disagreements between Madrid and Washington over defence spending and the conflict involving Iran.
Leaders from the tournament’s co-host nations are also expected in New Jersey. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will attend amid ongoing strains in their governments’ relationships with Washington, including disputes over trade, immigration and border security.
Security around the stadium has been significantly tightened for the president’s visit, with authorities enforcing a temporary no-fly zone as Trump travels from his New Jersey golf club.
Close Relationship With FIFA
Trump has cultivated a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino since returning to the White House in January 2025.
The two have appeared together on several occasions, with Trump frequently highlighting his role during his first presidency in helping secure the United States’ successful bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup and stage the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
Speaking at Friday’s FIFA event, Trump again reflected on those achievements while repeating his disputed claim that the 2020 presidential election had been unfairly decided.
“I got the World Cup, the Olympics,” Trump said.
His comments about potentially hosting a future World Cup with China, while jokingly suggesting Mexico and Canada be left out, also attracted attention given the broader geopolitical tensions between Washington and Beijing.
Attention on and off the Pitch
Trump’s appearance is likely to draw almost as much attention as the match itself.
During last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final at the same stadium, the US president remained on the podium after handing Chelsea their trophy, standing alongside the players as they celebrated. Several Chelsea players later admitted they were surprised by the moment.
Trump also later claimed the original Club World Cup trophy remained in the Oval Office, although FIFA clarified that the version on display there was a replica.
As Spain and Argentina prepare to contest one of football’s greatest prizes, the presence of world leaders including the US president ensures Sunday’s final will be about far more than sport alone. It will serve as a meeting point of football, politics and global diplomacy, with millions watching both the match and the figures gathered around it.
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