US President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, the White House has officially confirmed. The match will be played in New Jersey and will mark Trump’s first appearance at the tournament.
The announcement came during a White House press briefing on Thursday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the President’s visit would conclude what she described as the “most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history.”
According to Leavitt, the tournament has highlighted the United States’ ability to host one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
Trump To Attend FIFA Event Before Final
Before watching the World Cup final, Trump is also scheduled to attend a reception hosted by FIFA at Trump Tower in New York on Friday.
The event will bring together FIFA officials and guests ahead of the tournament’s biggest match.
Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino had announced in June that Trump would attend the final and present the trophy to the winning team, this is the first official confirmation from the White House.
White House Yet To Reveal Which Team Trump Will Support
The White House has not revealed whether Trump will support Spain or Argentina in the final.
When asked about his preference, Karoline Leavitt said she did not know which side the President would be backing.
The question comes after Trump recently criticised Spain during a NATO summit, accusing the European country of not doing enough to support US military action against Iran.
Trump’s Involvement In The World Cup
Although Trump did not attend any matches earlier in the tournament, he has remained involved in several World Cup-related discussions.
Earlier this month, Trump confirmed that he had asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the red card shown to US striker Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia.
Soon after, FIFA suspended Balogun’s one-match ban, allowing him to play against Belgium. However, the United States suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat despite his return.
Trump Continues To Highlight His Role In Bringing World Cup To US
Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for helping the United States secure hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
FIFA awarded the tournament to the three North American nations during Trump’s first term as President.
Meanwhile, Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino have maintained a close relationship over the years. Last year, Infantino presented Trump with a newly created FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup draw ceremony held in Washington.
Trophy Presentation Could Draw Attention Again
If Trump presents the World Cup trophy after Sunday’s final, it will likely attract significant attention because of a similar moment during the FIFA Club World Cup last year.
Following Chelsea’s victory over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey, Trump handed the trophy to captain Reece James. However, instead of leaving the stage, he stayed with the players during their celebrations, creating an unusual moment that quickly went viral.
Reports also claimed that Trump later kept a replica of the Club World Cup trophy in his office.
With Spain and Argentina preparing for one of the biggest matches in world football, Trump’s presence is expected to add another major talking point to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.