White House says Donald Trump will attend World Cup final

United States President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The White House confirmed the appearance on Thursday, July 16, marking the president’s first visit to a tournament match. The final match, which pits Spain against Argentina, concludes the first World Cup to feature 48 teams.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated on July 16 that the president’s attendance serves as a culmination of the tournament, which she described as the most watched and secure event in American history. Beyond the final, the president is scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday, July 17. FIFA, which maintains a corporate office in the building, previously presented the president with a FIFA Peace Prize at the tournament’s official draw in Washington, D.C., in December 2025.

Related imagery

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has maintained a close relationship with the president, previously indicated that the two would share trophy presentation duties on the field. Infantino reiterated this expectation in an interview with the Swiss outlet Blue Sport, noting that it is customary for the host nation's leader to join the FIFA president to award the trophy to the winning captain. Similar precedents were set at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where the Emir of Qatar joined the presentation, and the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where Vladimir Putin participated.

The president’s planned presence follows his involvement in ceremonies at the 2025 Club World Cup final, held at the same venue in New Jersey. During that event, his decision to remain on the podium alongside Chelsea players after handing the trophy to captain Reece James caused confusion among the athletes. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer later recalled that players had expected the president to exit the stage immediately after the presentation.

The president’s role in this year's tournament has been a subject of significant scrutiny, particularly regarding his intervention in the competition's disciplinary process. Earlier in July, he acknowledged that he personally called Infantino to request a review of a red card issued to U.S. Striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA subsequently overturned the suspension, allowing Balogun to participate in the round of 16 against Belgium. The U.S. Team was ultimately eliminated in a 4-1 defeat to Belgium shortly thereafter. Balogun later noted that the controversy generated outside noise and caused nerves within the team.

While the president’s appearance is confirmed, his support for a specific team remains unclear. Leavitt declined to state which side the president would favor, suggesting reporters ask him directly. Meanwhile, other world leaders have varied plans; Spain’s King Felipe VI is expected to attend the final, but Argentinian President Javier Milei confirmed he will not be present. Milei stated he prefers to follow his established ritual of watching matches from home while wearing a specific jacket from an oil company.

Prior to this, administration officials have represented the government at various venues. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the U.S. Team's opening match against Paraguay on June 12. Although the president has not attended previous games, the administration has been credited with overseeing the security and logistics of the tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

What to Watch Next

• Friday, July 17: The president is scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City.
• Sunday, July 19: The championship match between Spain and Argentina takes place at MetLife Stadium, where Jennifer Hudson is set to perform the U.S. National anthem.