One of the most talked-about moments of the 2026 FIFA World Cup may come after the final whistle.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the World Cup trophy to the winning captain following the tournament final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The announcement marks a significant departure from recent World Cup tradition, where Infantino alone presented the trophy to the champions.
Speaking during an interview on Fox & Friends, Infantino said there was no doubt about Trump’s role in the ceremony.
“We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together.”
The FIFA president added, “We are together all the time,” underscoring the close working relationship the two have developed during preparations for the tournament.
The decision comes less than a year after Trump took part in the trophy presentation at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, also held at MetLife Stadium. That ceremony generated widespread discussion after Trump remained on the stage during Chelsea’s trophy celebration rather than stepping aside after handing over the trophy.
This year’s World Cup final ceremony will therefore receive even more attention, with Trump officially participating alongside Infantino in presenting football’s most iconic prize.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting the expanded 48-team tournament, but the championship match will be played in New Jersey before what is expected to be a sellout crowd and a global television audience of hundreds of millions.
Whether the final features France, Argentina, Brazil, or another contender, the image of the winning captain lifting the World Cup trophy alongside both FIFA President Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump is set to become one of the defining moments of the 2026 tournament.
