US President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winner of the highly anticipated Spain vs. Argentina match on Sunday, July 19, 2026, amidst controversy over his intervention in the tournament and diplomatic tensions with the co-hosts.
Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he will present the trophy alongside FIFA boss and close friend Gianni Infantino. This will be Trump's first World Cup attendance, and it comes as a surprise given his usual love for the spotlight. However, Trump has been in the news for his intervention in the tournament, particularly when he phoned Infantino to ask FIFA to suspend a red card against USA striker Folarin Balogun so he could play in a last-16 match against Belgium.
The move sparked controversy over fairness and influence, but Trump has hailed the 2026 World Cup as the best ever. He described it as the "most successful sporting event maybe in the history of the world" and claimed that it had helped popularize soccer in the United States. Trump's son, Barron, is a huge fan of the game, and First Lady Melania Trump, Barron's mother, and Melania's father, Viktor Knavs, are also expected to attend the final.
The World Cup final could also be a chance for some much-needed diplomacy, as Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Spain's royal family will all attend, despite Trump's recent lashing out at Madrid over issues such as the Iran war and NATO spending. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will also be there, amidst ongoing tensions with the US president.
Trump has been known to use his association with the World Cup to further his own interests and promote his political brand. He repeatedly boasted about how he won the United States the right to host the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during his first term, despite losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
The World Cup final is expected to be surrounded by heavy security, with a no-fly zone in force around the stadium as Trump flies in from his New Jersey golf club. Infantino ties are close to Trump, who hosted him on multiple occasions at the Oval Office.
Trump's presence at the World Cup final is expected to be a major draw, with all eyes on what he does on the field. Last year, Trump stayed on the podium while winners Chelsea danced after he handed them the trophy at the FIFA Club World Cup championship at the same New Jersey stadium.
And, in a surprise move, Trump jokingly talked about hosting a future World Cup with China, despite accusing Beijing of meddling in the 2020 election just a day earlier.
The match between Spain and Argentina is expected to be a thrilling one, with both teams having a strong chance of winning the trophy. The world watches as Trump takes center stage amidst diplomatic tensions.