23 June,2026 08:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino (File pic)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Tuesday that he will be joined by US President Donald Trump at the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where the two will watch the match and jointly hand over the trophy to the newly crowned champions.
This update aligns with an earlier report from talkSPORT, which indicated that football's governing body has raised no concerns regarding Trump presenting the World Cup silverware directly to the victorious captain or standing alongside the team throughout the podium celebrations.
"We're going to be together with US President Donald Trump, enjoying the World Cup Final and handing the trophy to the winner together," Infantino said, as per Fox News.
The American President had previously received notification of FIFA's desire to have him present the trophy to the tournament's final victors. Additionally, leadership figures from co-hosting nations Mexico and Canada are anticipated to receive invitations to participate in the tournament's concluding ceremony.
Trump previously generated significant headlines during the Club World Cup 2025 when he stood on the celebration platform right next to Chelsea skipper Reece James during the trophy lift.
That particular incident saw Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer look noticeably puzzled, while FIFA chief Gianni Infantino initially looked to take Trump to the side before subsequently signalling for him to remain on the stage.
According to FIFA guidelines, the iconic World Cup trophy is generally positioned on a central pedestal before being carried onto the main presentation stage by the victorious squad.
While a scheduling conflict prevented Trump from attending the United States Men's National Team's opening win against Paraguay, he is fully expected to be in attendance for the tournament finale at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Defending champions Argentina are the favourites to retain their FIFA World Cup title. Led by their captain, Lionel Messi, Argentina have got off to a flying start, winning their opening two matches of the tournament.
Messi has scored five goals so far, breaking the World Cup goal-scoring record in the process, and Argentina sit at the top of their group.
(With ANI inputs)
