New Jersey: US President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, the White House has confirmed. The appearance will mark Trump’s first visit to a World Cup match during the tournament, with his presence reserved for the biggest game of the competition.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that Trump’s attendance would be part of the closing celebrations of the tournament. She described the event as a significant moment for the United States, which hosted the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup along with Canada and Mexico.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history,” Leavitt said during a briefing.
The final will bring together two of world football’s strongest teams, with defending champions Argentina facing Spain in a highly anticipated contest. Trump is expected to be involved in the trophy presentation ceremony after the match.
Trump’s World Cup involvement ahead of final
Although Trump has not attended any matches during the tournament, he has remained closely connected to the event. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had earlier announced that Trump would attend the final and present the trophy to the winning team, but official confirmation from the White House came later.
Trump has repeatedly highlighted the role his administration played in bringing the World Cup to North America. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 tournament during his first presidential term.
The tournament has been a major global sporting event, with matches played across several cities in the three host nations. The 2026 edition also marked the first FIFA World Cup featuring 48 teams, increasing the scale and international reach of the competition.
According to the White House, Trump’s appearance at the final represents the conclusion of a successful hosting effort and an opportunity to showcase the United States on the world stage.
Uncertainty over Trump’s preferred team
Despite confirming his attendance, Trump has not revealed whether he will support Argentina or Spain in the final.
Leavitt said she did not know which team the US President would back. The question gained attention after Trump recently criticised Spain during international discussions, leading to speculation about his preference.
Argentina enter the final as defending champions, led by captain Lionel Messi, who has once again played a crucial role in the team’s World Cup campaign. Spain, meanwhile, have impressed with their tactical discipline and attacking style throughout the tournament.
The final is expected to attract millions of viewers worldwide as two footballing giants compete for the most prestigious prize in international football.
Relationship between FIFA and Trump
Trump’s connection with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has attracted considerable attention in recent years. Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump, with the FIFA chief previously praising the United States’ role in organising major football events.
The relationship has also generated debate, particularly after FIFA introduced a new peace award that was presented to Trump during the World Cup draw in Washington.
Trump’s involvement in football has extended beyond hosting discussions. Earlier during the tournament, he revealed that he had contacted Infantino regarding a disciplinary decision involving United States striker Folarin Balogun.
The player had initially received a suspension following a red card incident, but FIFA later reviewed the decision. The incident sparked discussion about political influence and football administration.
Trophy presentation expected to attract attention
Trump’s role in the trophy ceremony will be closely watched after a previous presentation involving him created controversy.
During the FIFA Club World Cup final at the same New Jersey venue the previous year, Trump handed the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James after the English club defeated Paris Saint-Germain.
However, Trump remained on the stage after the presentation and briefly joined the team celebrations, creating an unusual moment as players appeared surprised by his presence.
The incident attracted global attention, with discussions surrounding protocol during sporting ceremonies. Trump later kept a replica of the trophy in his office.
The FIFA World Cup final presentation is expected to follow a more structured format, with officials preparing for one of the biggest sporting moments of the year.
Final set to conclude historic tournament
The Spain-Argentina final will bring an end to a tournament that has generated significant global interest. Both teams have shown different strengths throughout their campaigns, with Argentina relying on experience and resilience while Spain have impressed with their technical quality and organisation.
For the United States, the final will also represent the culmination of years of preparation for hosting one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Trump’s attendance adds another layer of global attention to the occasion. While football remains the central focus, the presence of the US President is expected to make the closing ceremony one of the most watched moments of the tournament.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s confirmation to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final highlights the importance of the tournament for the United States. As Spain and Argentina prepare for the title clash, the final will not only decide the world champions but also mark the conclusion of a landmark football event hosted in North America.