Khaberni - FIFA President Gianni Infantino revealed that US President Donald Trump will participate in presenting the World Cup to the captain of the winning team after the final match of the 2026 World Cup, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
During an interview with "Fox & Friends," Infantino said that President Trump will be present at the final, adding: "We will be together, both the president and I, enjoying the final match and handing over the cup to the winner, of course, together."
This announcement brings to mind the scene witnessed at the 2025 World Club Cup final, also held at MetLife Stadium, where Trump and Infantino participated in the award ceremony as Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain with a clean triple.
Trump's remaining on the podium during Chelsea players’ celebration of lifting the cup surprised some players, as team star Cole Palmer later said: "I knew he would be here, but I didn't know he would be on the platform the moment we lifted the cup, so I was a bit perplexed."
The relationship between Trump and FIFA has seen a notable closeness since his return to the White House, with the American administration creating a special task force for the 2026 World Cup to oversee preparations related to the tournament hosted by the United States, along with Canada and Mexico. Andrew Giuliani has been appointed the executive director of the team.
Although Trump has not attended any matches in the current tournament so far, several senior officials from his administration have appeared at a number of games, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who attended the opening match of the American team.
Departure from Usual Protocol
The presence of the US President in the cup handing-over ceremonies marks a notable precedent compared to previous editions of the tournament, as Russian President Vladimir Putin did not partake in crowning the French team champions at the 2018 World Cup.
Infantino continues to show his support for the US President, having awarded him in December the first edition of the "FIFA Peace Award," praising his role on the international stage. During the award ceremony, he said: "You truly deserve the first FIFA Peace Award for what you have delivered and achieved in your own way."
Economic Benefits and Public Welcome
The United States views the 2026 World Cup as a major sporting and economic opportunity, as FIFA predicts that the tournament will contribute approximately 17 billion dollars to the US gross domestic product.
At the same time, the American host cities have received accolades from foreign fans currently attending the competition, with supporters from Scotland and Switzerland speaking of the warm welcome and friendly atmosphere they experienced while in the United States.
As the final approaches, it appears that the event will not just be a sporting competition but will also carry political and symbolic dimensions, with the participation of both the US President and the FIFA President together in handing the cup to the new world champions on the field.
