Former President Donald Trump will take center stage at the upcoming World Cup final, presenting the coveted trophy to the tournament’s champions. The event is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Trump’s celebratory role, expressing his enthusiasm for the former president’s presence. “We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino stated during a recent interview. “We are together all the time.”
This marks a departure from recent World Cup finals. In 2018 and 2022, neither the Russian President nor the Emir of Qatar were present for the trophy presentations following the victories of France and Argentina, respectively.
A History of FIFA Recognition
Infantino has previously shown significant favor towards Trump. In December, following Trump’s unsuccessful bid for the Nobel Peace Prize, FIFA awarded him their inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize.” At the time, Infantino lauded Trump’s achievements, saying, “You definitely deserve the first FIFA Peace Prize for your action, for what you have obtained in your way, but you have obtained it in an incredible way.” He added, “You can always count, Mr President, on my support, on the support of the entire football community – or ‘soccer’ community – to help you make peace and make the world prosper all over the world.”
A smiling Infantino also boasted about Trump’s upcoming participation in the World Cup trophy ceremony. Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup Task Force, has not ruled out the possibility of Trump making appearances at the tournament prior to the championship match, noting, “He likes a good cliffhanger. He likes to leave people watching.”
Past Trophy Ceremony Appearances
This is not Trump’s first involvement in a FIFA trophy ceremony. In July 2025, he was present on stage as Chelsea secured their first Club World Cup title, defeating Paris Saint-Germain. The presence of the former president on the stand during the trophy lift surprised some, including Chelsea player Cole Palmer, who later commented, “I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes.” That match also took place at MetLife Stadium.
Economic Impact and Fan Reception
The World Cup is projected to significantly boost the U.S. economy, with FIFA estimating a $17 billion increase in GDP. Despite potential economic fluctuations, fan reception at the tournament has been overwhelmingly positive. Supporters, such as Scotland’s Tartan Army, have been warmly welcomed in cities like Boston and Miami, with many fans highlighting the friendliness and hospitality they have encountered.
One Scottish fan, Gail Nicholl, shared her experience in Boston: “I met these two gorgeous girls from Boston. It was her birthday, she was having cocktails. I bought her another one and they kept saying ‘welcome to Boston, Massachusetts!’ They loved us, we loved them … Everyone is so friendly, so nice.” A fan from Zurich echoed these sentiments, stating, “Something new for me is how friendly and outgoing everyone is.”
