United States of America (USA) President Donald Trump will present the FIFA World Cup 2026 trophy to the winners after the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, alongside Gianni Infantino. The FIFA President confirmed the development on Tuesday (June 23) in an interaction with American media outlet Fox.
“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course. On being asked if they will present the prize to the winner together, he replied “Of course, we are together all the time.”
Trump is yet to attend a game in the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada, but Infantino claimed that he will be present in the final. All games from the quarter-final onwards are scheduled to take place in America.
FIFA World Cup Final Repeat
This will be similar to last year’s FIFA World Cup final, where Trump and Infantino presented Chelsea the trophy together after the summit clash, which also took place in New Jersey. The London giants had beaten European champions PSG 3–0 in the final.
Trump’s presentation of the trophy sparked a controversy and attracted criticism as the American President did not leave the stage while the Reece James-led side were lifting the trophy. Chelsea players were evidently surprised at the sequence of events as Trump was in among the players during the celebrations.
Chelsea star Cole Palmer, who won the Player of the Tournament (POTT) award, later admitted he was surprised. Skipper James also said he expected him to leave the stage.
“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, so I was a bit confused,” said Palmer in the post-match presentation.
“I wasn’t expecting him to lift the trophy with us, but I guess it shows just how big the tournament is. He just congratulated me and the team and told us to enjoy the moment,” James stated.
