FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that former United States president Donald Trump will play a starring role in the trophy presentation ceremony at the 2026 World Cup final on 19 July. The announcement, made during an interview with Fox and Friends, sets the stage for a controversial figure to take centre stage at the New York New Jersey Stadium.
Infantino's Confirmation
In the interview, Infantino made clear that the plan is for Trump to jointly hand the iconic trophy to the victorious team.
"We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course," Infantino said.When pressed on whether they would make the presentation side by side, the FIFA chief added:
"Of course, we are together all the time."The partnership between Infantino and Trump has been notably close during the build-up to the tournament, though Trump has made very few public pronouncements concerning the World Cup since it kicked off on 11 June.
Echoes of Club World Cup Controversy
This will not be the first time Trump has been invited to a FIFA trophy ceremony. At the 2025 Club World Cup final, where Chelsea triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain, Trump handed over the trophy and then unexpectedly remained on the winners' podium. Reece James, the Chelsea captain, later revealed his surprise.
"They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay," James said.Team-mate Cole Palmer, who scored twice in the match, was equally taken aback.
"I knew he was going to be here, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes," Palmer admitted.
A Divisive Presence at the Showpiece
Trump's central role in the trophy presentation is likely to spark debate. His low-key public profile during the World Cup so far contrasts sharply with the high-profile honour of handing over the game's greatest prize. The decision underlines FIFA's willingness to embrace Trump's polarising persona, a move that will undoubtedly overshadow the sporting achievement of the winning team on 19 July.
Key Takeaways
- Gianni Infantino confirms Donald Trump will co-present the World Cup trophy at the 2026 final in New York New Jersey.
- The ceremony is scheduled for 19 July, with Infantino stating "we are together all the time" regarding his partnership with Trump.
- Trump previously overstayed on the podium during the 2025 Club World Cup presentation, causing confusion among Chelsea players.
- The decision is likely to stoke controversy given Trump's divisive public image and minimal engagement with the World Cup so far.
Quick Facts
Event: 2026 World Cup final
Date: 19 July 2026
Venue: New York New Jersey Stadium, United States
Trophy presenters: Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino
Previous incident: Trump remained on stage after the 2025 Club World Cup final, surprising Chelsea players
