Trump to join FIFA President in presenting World Cup trophy

United States President Donald Trump is set to play a prominent role in the closing ceremony of the FIFA World Cup, with FIFA confirming that he will join President Gianni Infantino in presenting the trophy to the tournament winners after the final on July 19.

Speaking to Fox News, Infantino said he and Trump would watch the final together at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey before jointly handing the trophy to the newly crowned world champions.

The announcement underscores the high-profile role the US administration is expected to play as the country hosts football’s biggest event. While Trump has not attended any World Cup matches so far, his involvement in the final had been widely anticipated given the tournament’s significance and the host nation’s status.

The decision also follows Trump's appearance at last year's FIFA Club World Cup final, where he presented the trophy to Chelsea after the English club's victory over Paris Saint-Germain.

His presence during the post-match celebrations attracted attention after he remained on the podium alongside the players during their trophy celebrations, prompting discussion among fans and commentators.

Trump’s expected participation in the World Cup trophy presentation marks a departure from recent editions of the tournament. Neither Russian President Vladimir Putin at the 2018 World Cup final nor Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the 2022 final took part in handing over the trophy on the pitch.

However, history offers several precedents for heads of state and monarchs presenting football’s most prestigious prize. Spain’s King Juan Carlos handed the trophy to Italy captain Dino Zoff after the 1982 World Cup, while Queen Elizabeth II famously presented the Jules Rimet Trophy to England captain Bobby Moore following England’s triumph in 1966.