When the World Cup trophy is presented to the winner of the 2026 tournament on July 19, President Donald Trump will have a big hand in the ceremony.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed a report from Ben Jacobs of TalkSport that the U.S. president help hand over the trophy at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to the winning captain.
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“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course,” Infantino said during an appearance on “Fox & Friends.”
It will be a similar situation as to what played out during last summer’s Club World Cup final, which was also played at MetLife Stadium. Trump was on the stage next to FIFA president Gianni Infantino as Chelsea players received their medals. He then helped carry the trophy with Infantino to captain Reece James and remained next to James as he lifted it to begin the celebrations.
“Before, they told me he was going to present the trophy, and then exit the stage,” James said of Trump afterward. “I thought that he was gonna exit the stage. But I think he wanted to stay.”
It’s not uncommon for heads of state to take part in trophy presentations. But it’s usually the winning team that is given the stage to celebrate.
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How the Club World Cup Final celebration played out could also happen after the World Cup final as FIFA will reportedly let Trump decide if he wants to remain on stage as the world champions raise the trophy.
Trump has not appeared at either of the USMNT’s opening two World Cup matches, victories of Paraguay and Australia. He has stated he will attend a game, though it has not been announced when he will get to a match.
