FIFA President Confirms U.S. President Will Join Trophy Ceremony in Historic World Cup Finale
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winning team at the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup final in the New York-New Jersey Stadium on July 19.
The announcement means the final ceremony of football’s biggest tournament will feature both the FIFA president and the president of one of the host nations on stage for the trophy presentation.
Speaking during an interview on Fox & Friends, Infantino revealed the plans for the closing moments of the tournament.
“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together.”
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, will conclude with the final at the venue officially known during the tournament as the New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The decision marks a notable departure from recent World Cup finals. During the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 tournament in Qatar, Infantino personally handed the trophy to the winning captain as FIFA president. This time, the sport’s governing body will share the moment with the American president.
Infantino and Trump have developed a close working relationship in recent years as the United States prepares to host the largest World Cup in history. The pair have appeared together at several FIFA events, including the 2025 World Cup draw and last year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
The announcement has already generated significant discussion across football circles because of the symbolism attached to the trophy presentation. The World Cup trophy lift is widely regarded as one of the most iconic moments in global sport, watched by hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide.
For FIFA, the decision underscores the importance of the United States’ role in hosting the expanded 48-team tournament. For Trump, it will represent another appearance at a major international sporting event after attending several high-profile competitions during his presidency.
With the knockout stage approaching and the race for football’s most coveted prize intensifying, one thing is already certain about the final in New Jersey:
When the champions are crowned on July 19, the FIFA World Cup trophy will be handed over jointly by Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump in one of the most anticipated closing ceremonies in tournament history.
Leave feedback about this