US President Donald Trump will be in the spotlight at the FIFA World Cup Sunday in New Jersey, as he will be presenting the World Cup trophy alongside his close friend and FIFA president Gianni Infantino after the Spain v Argentina match.
Trump has been intimately involved in the tournament but will make his first World Cup match appearance at the final.
He caused controversy earlier this month when he reportedly asked Infantino to rescind a red card that had been handed out to forward Folarin Balogun in a game against Belgium so he could play in the last-16 match-up.
The request received criticism due to worries regarding political control of sport.
But, despite the blowback, Trump has been effusive in his praise of the tournament as “the most successful sporting event” ever, and that it has helped bolster soccer’s popularity in the United States.
Read more: US President Donald Trump to attend FIFA final in stadium
He added that his son, Barron, is a big time football fan. First Lady Melania Trump and her father, Viktor Knavs, will also be in attendance at the finale.
In addition, the match will also be attended by several world leaders such as the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, the members of the Spanish Royal family, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The move coincides with the recent diplomatic row with Washington over a number of issues including NATO spending, tariffs and immigration.
Security at the stadium will be extensive, a no-fly zone will be in place during Trump’s visit.
Since Trump’s election to the White House in 2025, he has been developing his ties with Infantino, often saying that his presidency is tied to the United States hosting the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Trump, who was known for his tendency to be in the spotlight, is likely to be a big discussion point during the final.
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