FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the trophy to the winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, marking a departure from recent tournament protocol.
Speaking during an appearance on Fox & Friends, Infantino said he and Trump would attend the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium before jointly handing the trophy to the winning team’s captain.
“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino said.
The announcement has attracted attention because, at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Infantino presented the trophy without a political leader sharing the role. The decision reflects the close working relationship between Infantino and Trump and comes with the United States serving as one of the tournament’s host nations alongside Canada and Mexico.
Trump previously participated in the trophy presentation at the FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain. His decision to remain on the podium during Chelsea’s trophy celebration drew widespread attention, with some players later saying they had expected him to leave the stage after presenting the trophy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is scheduled for July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Trump and Infantino are expected to jointly present the championship trophy to the tournament winners.
