Adedokun Waliyu 
United States President Donald Trump is set to take centre stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, where he is expected to present the World Cup trophy alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The final, to be played at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, will mark Trump’s first attendance at a match during the tournament, despite his frequent involvement in events surrounding the competition.
His participation comes after one of the tournament’s most controversial incidents, when he reportedly contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request the suspension of a red card issued to United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the Round of 16 clash against Belgium. The move sparked widespread debate over fairness and political influence in football.
Speaking at a FIFA reception held at Trump Tower in New York, the US president described the 2026 World Cup as one of the greatest sporting events ever staged.
He also said the tournament had helped strengthen football’s popularity in the United States, a country traditionally dominated by American football, baseball, and basketball. Trump added that his son, Barron Trump, is an avid football fan.
First Lady Melania Trump and her father, Viktor Knavs, are expected to accompany the president to the final.
The event is also expected to serve as an important diplomatic gathering. Among the dignitaries expected to attend are Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and members of Spain’s royal family, despite recent tensions between Madrid and Washington over defence spending and the Iran conflict.
Leaders of the tournament’s co-host nations—Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum—are also expected at the final amid continuing diplomatic disagreements with the United States on issues including trade, immigration, and tariffs.
Security will be significantly heightened for the president’s visit, with a no-fly zone established around MetLife Stadium as Trump travels from his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
Trump has maintained a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino since returning to office in January 2025, hosting him several times at the White House.
The president has repeatedly claimed credit for helping the United States secure hosting rights for both the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games during his first term in office.
At the FIFA reception, Trump also joked that he would like the United States to host a future World Cup with China, despite recently accusing Beijing of interfering in the 2020 US presidential election.
He further commented on England’s World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina, criticising manager Thomas Tuchel’s defensive tactics after his side had taken the lead.
Attention is also expected to focus on Trump’s conduct during the trophy presentation. During last year’s FIFA Club World Cup final at the same stadium, he drew attention by remaining on the podium while Chelsea players celebrated with the trophy. Trump later claimed he had kept the trophy in the Oval Office, although FIFA clarified that the item displayed there was only a replica.
With world football’s biggest prize at stake, Sunday’s final is expected to combine elite sporting action with high-level diplomacy and significant political attention.
