FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that U.S. President Donald Trump has been too occupied to attend any World Cup matches so far, but confirmed that Trump will be present at the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium. Despite playing a significant role in the buildup to the tournament, Trump has not been seen at any games, sparking speculation about his absence.
Infantino Addresses Trump's Absence
Speaking to Blue Sport, Infantino dismissed concerns that security issues were behind Trump's absence. “No, no. I suppose he still has a few other things to do. When he’s at the stadium, people will ask, ‘What’s he doing at the stadium when there’s so much going on in the world?’ I’m always in touch with him and his government, which is doing a great job with the World Cup,” Infantino said.
Trump's Role in the Final
Infantino also revealed that Trump is expected to co-present the trophy at the final. “Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final. That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president,” he added.
Trump's involvement in the tournament has been controversial. In December 2025, he was awarded FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize, and he previously intervened to request a review of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension before the round of 16 match against Belgium, leading to controversy after Balogun was allowed to play.
Trump's Previous Statements
In January 2025, Trump confirmed his intention to attend multiple games, stating, “I would like to go to, certainly, more than one. We’ll be making the rounds. It’s a period of a month and it’s really top-of-the-line. It’s one of the great events of anywhere in the world.” However, he has yet to appear at any matches.
The tournament has reached the semi-final stage, with France facing Spain on Tuesday and England playing Argentina the following day.
