Trump Could Play Key Role in Presenting 2026 FIFA World Cup Trophy

xtratime Web Desk: U.S. President Donald Trump could play a significant role in the trophy presentation ceremony at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, according to recent reports.

British sports media outlet talkSPORT has claimed that Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final, scheduled for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The report further suggests that, if FIFA chooses, Trump could personally hand the World Cup trophy to the captain of the winning team.

A similar scenario unfolded during the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final. At MetLife Stadium, Trump joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the medal presentation ceremony for Chelsea players. He later accompanied Infantino in presenting the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James and remained on stage while James lifted the trophy in celebration.

Reflecting on the incident, James later said: “We were told that he would present the trophy and then leave the stage. That’s what I thought would happen as well. But it seems he wanted to stay there.”

While it is not uncommon for heads of state to participate in major sporting trophy presentations, the celebration stage is typically reserved for the victorious team after the trophy is awarded. However, according to the report, scenes similar to those witnessed during the Club World Cup final could be repeated at the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

The report also states that FIFA would have no objection if Trump chose to remain on stage during the trophy unveiling and post-match celebrations.

Notably, Trump was not in attendance for the United States national team's 4-1 victory over Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. However, he has already indicated that he plans to attend at least one match during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An official announcement regarding which match he will attend has yet to be made.