FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will co-present the trophy at the 2026 World Cup final. The announcement, made during an appearance on FOX and Friends on Tuesday morning, revealed that Trump and Infantino will jointly hand the trophy to the winning team. Infantino stated, "We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course together." When asked if they would present the trophy together, he replied, "Of course, we are together all the time."
Trump's Awkward History with Trophy Presentations
This will not be Trump's first involvement in a major football trophy ceremony. In 2025, he presented the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey — the same venue scheduled to host the 2026 World Cup final on 19th July. During that event, Trump lingered awkwardly on stage during Chelsea's celebrations, insisting he "wanted to stay." The World Cup final, held once every four years, is expected to attract billions of viewers globally, making the potential for a similar awkward moment far more pronounced.
Security Concerns Over Fan Chants
The confirmation comes amid reports that Trump's staff are in "crisis mode" due to insulting chants directed at the president by fans during World Cup matches. A source told The Mirror that staff are "trying to prevent the President from being exposed to the chants in person, and that includes avoiding matches involving English-speaking teams." Trump has not yet attended any World Cup games, and the final may be the only match he attends in person.
Trump's Busy Sporting Summer
The World Cup final adds to a hectic sporting summer for Trump. He recently attended an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden, where he was met with boos from New York Knicks fans, and the UFC Freedom 250 event held at the White House to mark his 80th birthday. The tournament is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final in New Jersey.
Trump and Infantino's Peculiar Bond
Trump and Infantino share a notable relationship. Infantino has faced accusations of courting Trump's favour, particularly after being awarded the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December 2025. He also visited the Oval Office with the World Cup trophy before the tournament began.
