President Trump will jointly present the World Cup trophy to this year’s champions at the final in New Jersey on July 19. The ceremony will occur at MetLife Stadium, home of the NFL’s New York Jets and Giants, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino participating alongside the former U.S. President.
This marks the first time Trump has co-presented the trophy under Infantino’s leadership following controversy over his role in presenting the previous year’s FIFA Club World Cup to Chelsea after their victory over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey. While Trump initially presented Chelsea captain Reece James with the trophy, his failure to step away from the stage led to him joining the team’s celebrations alongside bemused players.
Infantino confirmed the arrangement during a recent appearance on “Fox & Friends,” stating: “We will be together with the president [Trump] enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together.” The decision follows Infantino’s efforts to build an alliance with Trump, including presenting him with FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December.
Trump, who received that award at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts during the World Cup draw, has been a frequent attendee of major sporting events recently, including NBA Finals games and UFC matches held on the White House lawn. Infantino emphasized his support for Trump’s global initiatives: “You can always count, Mr. President, on my support… to help you make peace and make the world prosper.”
The U.S. men’s national team continues its strong World Cup campaign, securing victories in its first two group stage matches and advancing to the knockout rounds.
