FIFA Makes Major Decision on Donald Trump Ahead of 2026 World Cup Final
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well into the group stage and the focus across the United States is on which teams punch their tickets to the knockout rounds.
President Donald Trump hasn't been in the stands yet but his connection to this tournament goes back further than the opening whistle.
At the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw on December 5, 2025, held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C., FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize.
Trump also received a commemorative medal tied to his role in bringing the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda together in Washington to sign a historic peace agreement.
Trump Expected to Play a Role at the 2026 World Cup Final
Now there's a chance fans see him back in the spotlight when the tournament wraps up.
According to Ben Jacobs of TalkSport, Trump is expected to be part of the on-field trophy presentation at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey when the final is played on July 19. FIFA reportedly has no objection to the U.S. president handing the trophy directly to the winning captain if that's how it plays out.
It wouldn't be the first time. After last summer's Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, Trump joined Infantino on the presentation stage as Chelsea's players collected their medals.
He helped carry the trophy alongside Infantino before presenting it to captain Reece James and stood beside him as he lifted it.
Heads of state have been part of major trophy ceremonies before so this wouldn't be breaking new ground. But with the World Cup final being the biggest stage in global soccer, all eyes will be on MetLife Stadium come July 19 and Trump figures to be part of that moment.
Copyright 2026 Athlon Sports. All rights reserved.
This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 1:36 PM.