Trump to Attend World Cup Final, Marking First Appearance at Tournament
The White House has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on July 19 in New Jersey. This will be his first appearance at the tournament, which has been hosted by the United States along with Canada and Mexico.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on Thursday that Trump's attendance will cap what she described as 'the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.' She added that the event is 'a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage.'
Earlier in June, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had announced that Trump would attend the final and present the trophy to the winners, but the White House had not confirmed until now. Leavitt said she did not know whether Trump would be supporting Argentina or Spain, noting that he had criticised Spain at a recent NATO summit for not contributing to the Iran war.
Trump has not attended any previous World Cup matches but has been involved in the tournament in a controversial manner. Earlier this month, he confirmed he asked Infantino to review a red card issued to U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia. FIFA subsequently suspended Balogun's one-game ban, allowing him to play against Belgium, though the U.S. lost 4-1.
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for securing the United States the right to co-host the 2026 World Cup, a decision made by FIFA during his first term. Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with Trump, awarding him a newly created FIFA peace prize at the World Cup draw in Washington last year, months before the U.S. launched military action against Venezuela and Iran.
The decision to let Trump present the World Cup trophy follows controversy at last year's Club World Cup, where Trump handed the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James but then remained on stage, initially joining the team's celebrations. He later kept a replica of the trophy in his office.
