Donald Trump is expected to participate in the trophy presentation at the World Cup final tonight, but concerns are mounting that the US President may once again violate FIFA protocol, as he did during the Club World Cup celebrations last year. The match between Spain and Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium will see Trump alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino to present medals to the winning team.
Trump's Previous Protocol Breach
During the Club World Cup final in July 2025 at MetLife Stadium, Trump handed the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James but refused to leave the stage, contrary to standard FIFA procedure. The protocol dictates that the trophy should remain on a plinth and be carried onto the podium by a member of the victorious team. Trump's actions left Chelsea players confused, as officials, including Infantino, reportedly tried to get him to vacate.
Chelsea's Reece James later said: "Answering your question, before, they told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay." Cole Palmer added: "I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes."
FIFA's Stance on Potential Repeat
Despite the controversy, talkSPORT reports that FIFA has no objections if Trump decides to gatecrash the trophy lift again. This has sparked fears that history may repeat itself during tonight's final, where football icons like Lionel Messi (in his last World Cup) or Spain's Rodri could lift the trophy alongside Trump. The incident has raised questions about protocol enforcement and the role of political figures in sports ceremonies.
