Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final on Sunday night in New York, the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed, ending weeks of speculation over the US president’s presence at a tournament he helped bring to North America but has so far avoided in person.
Trump, 80, played a big role in the build-up to the World Cup, which has been held across the USA, Canada and Mexico. But he has not been spotted at any games so far. His decision to appear for the final between Spain and Argentina immediately raises questions about whether he will take part in the trophy presentation – a move that would break FIFA protocol.
“Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final, with plans to present the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.”
Last month, it was reported that FIFA had no objections to him being on the stage as the winning team lifts the trophy. If he does decide to be part of the presentation, it will be a repeat of the awkward situation at the Club World Cup, when Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James but remained on the stage as the Blues celebrated.
“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 after that ceremony.
Trump has already made his presence felt during the World Cup despite his absence from the stadiums. He contacted FIFA president Gianni Infantino about a red card received by USA star man Folarin Balogun during the round of 32 match against Bosnia & Herzegovina. Later, it emerged that the forward had his ban suspended, meaning he was available to play in the round of 16 match against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1.
Infantino, who awarded Trump FIFA’s inaugural Peace Prize in December during the World Cup draw, confirmed the plan on Trump’s involvement in the final. Speaking to Blue Sport, he said: “Hopefully we'll present the trophy together in the final. That's always been the plan - and that's how it's always been done in the past - for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president.”
Spain booked their place in the final thanks to an impressive 2-0 win over tournament favourites France. Argentina completed a 2-1 comeback win over England in their semi-final. Before the final, France and England will face off in a third-place play-off on Saturday night (10pm BST) at the Miami Stadium.
