FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that United States President Donald Trump will play a role in the 2026 World Cup final, co-presenting the trophy to the winning team. The announcement came during an appearance on FOX and Friends on Tuesday morning.
Infantino Details Trump's Involvement
Infantino stated, "We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course together." When asked to clarify, he added, "Of course, we are together all the time." The final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Staff in Crisis Mode Over Offensive Chants
Trump's aides are reportedly in "crisis mode" trying to prevent him from being exposed to offensive chants directed at him during matches. A source told The Mirror: "His staff are in crisis mode 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 fixtures this summer.
Previous Trophy Presentation Experience
This will not be Trump's first time presenting a major football trophy. Last year, he joined Chelsea FC on stage at MetLife Stadium to present the FIFA Club World Cup trophy. He awkwardly remained on stage during celebrations, claiming he "wanted to stay." The World Cup final is expected to draw billions of viewers worldwide.
Trump's Busy Sporting Summer
Trump has already attended an NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden, where he was jeered by Knicks fans, and the UFC Freedom 250 event at the White House for his 80th birthday. Infantino's relationship with Trump has drawn scrutiny, with critics accusing the FIFA president of courting favor after receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in December and visiting the Oval Office with the trophy.
