Presenting the Trophy Again at the Booed Stadium? Trump to Award World Cup Final Winners

Trump Set to Appear on Football's Biggest Stage
World Cup Final Becomes the Crossroads of Football and Politics
Close FIFA-Trump Relationship Also Under Scrutiny

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to attend the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup North and Central America, and will also participate in the trophy presentation for the winning team.

On June 24, Yonhap News reported that FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed President Trump's intention to attend the final during an appearance on the Fox News morning program "Fox & Friends" that day. Infantino stated, "We will enjoy the final together with the President, and of course, we will present the trophy to the winners together. We are always together."

EPA Yonhap News

Reuters also reported on the same day, citing Infantino's remarks, that President Trump is scheduled to present the trophy to the winning team at the World Cup final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. According to Reuters, FIFA has not made any further statements beyond Infantino's comments on the broadcast.

President Trump's participation in the trophy ceremony stands out even when compared to recent World Cup traditions. ESPN pointed out that during the Qatar 2022 World Cup and the Russia 2018 World Cup, President Infantino presented the trophy to the winning team, so a joint presentation by President Trump and Infantino will be a departure from recent FIFA protocols. However, there have been precedents in the past where the head of state or a member of the royal family of the host nation has presented the World Cup trophy.

Despite the World Cup being held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and the U.S. national team performing well in Group D of the group stage, President Trump has not yet attended a match in person. For the U.S. team's opening match against Paraguay, held on June 12 at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in attendance. The United States defeated Paraguay 4-1 in that match and went on to win against Australia, thereby securing a place in the round of 32.

Last Year's Club World Cup Trophy Controversy Revisited

This announcement has drawn even more attention due to the earlier "Chelsea Trophy Controversy." President Trump visited MetLife Stadium for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final to watch the match between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0 to win the title, and President Trump joined President Infantino on the award stage to present the trophy to Chelsea.

Last year, unlike Infantino who stepped away during Chelsea's victory celebration, President Trump stayed at the center of the stage and was even captured among the players when Chelsea captain Reece James lifted the trophy, sparking controversy. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The issue arose after the ceremony. The Guardian reported that President Trump was booed by the crowd when he appeared on the stadium's big screen during the U.S. national anthem before the match, and was booed again when he entered the award stage alongside President Infantino. Notably, unlike Infantino, who stepped aside during Chelsea's victory celebration, President Trump remained at the center of the stage and was even seen among the players as Chelsea captain Reece James lifted the trophy.

At the time, foreign media outlets reported that some Chelsea players appeared uncomfortable with President Trump's continued presence on stage. Cole Palmer commented that he was unaware President Trump was on the podium and described the situation as "a bit confusing," while Reece James also mentioned that he had expected President Trump to step down from the stage.

Close FIFA-Trump Relationship Also Under Scrutiny

Meanwhile, the close relationship between President Trump and President Infantino is being revisited. Reuters reported that Infantino has built close ties with President Trump, and that in December last year, FIFA awarded President Trump its newly established "Peace Award." Infantino has also emphasized cooperation with the Trump administration during preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Among them, the close relationship between U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino is being reconsidered. Reuters reported that Infantino has built a close relationship with President Trump and that last December, FIFA awarded President Trump the newly established 'Peace Award'. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

Meanwhile, the World Cup final will take place at MetLife Stadium on July 19. With the North and Central America World Cup expanding to 48 teams for the first time in history, if President Trump once again appears on the final podium, the last scene of football's biggest event is expected to generate as much political controversy and discussion as the results on the field.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.