Donald Trump is set to co-present the prestigious trophy at the World Cup final on 19 July 2026, in New Jersey. The announcement was made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino during an interview on ‘Fox & Friends,’ confirming that the former president will join him in awarding the trophy to the victorious team.
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The World Cup final is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium, known as the New York New Jersey Stadium for the duration of the tournament, located in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This year’s competition marks a significant milestone, as it is the first World Cup featuring an expanded format, accommodating an increased number of teams and matches.
Gianni Infantino, who has presided over FIFA since 2016, has previously awarded the World Cup trophy solo during the last two tournaments, held in Qatar and Russia. Speaking about the upcoming final, Infantino expressed enthusiasm about sharing the honours with Trump. “We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” he stated, reinforcing the close working relationship between the two.
The collaboration between Infantino and Trump is not new; they have shared the spotlight on several occasions, with their history stretching back to past FIFA events. In December 2025, Infantino awarded Trump the inaugural FIFA peace prize at a ceremony held before the World Cup Draw, which set the stage for the tournament’s matchups. That event also saw participation from notable figures, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Although Trump has not yet been an attendee at the 2026 World Cup matches, he has regularly participated in various sports events during his current term. His latest appearance was at Game 3 of the NBA Finals on 8 June 2026, where he was seen watching from a private box alongside his granddaughter, Kai Trump. However, his presence elicited mixed reactions, with the former president facing boos during the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
Security measures were heightened for Trump’s recent attendance at Madison Square Garden, leading to the closure of several streets around the venue, a testament to the significant attention surrounding his visits. Trump’s relationship with sports, particularly basketball, has attracted substantial media coverage and public scrutiny.
In September 2025, Trump attended the U.S. Open, where he received a similar reception of disapproval from the crowd, as reported by ESPN. His presence at major sporting events continues to polarise audiences, with reactions often reflecting the broader sentiments regarding his political career and public persona.
As the World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on the final match and the significant figures involved in its proceedings. With Trump and Infantino at the helm of the trophy presentation, the event is expected to attract global attention not only for the sporting spectacle but also for the associated political overtones.
The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, uniting fans and players from around the world. With political figures like Trump involved, the tournament will be a focal point not only for football enthusiasts but also for those interested in the intersection of sports and politics. As the date draws closer, the anticipation surrounding the final will only intensify, making it a memorable occasion in the history of the sport.