Trump to attend 2026 World Cup final and present trophy: White House confirms

Beyond simply attending, Trump will play a ceremonial role unprecedented in recent World Cup history: he will jointly present the trophy to the winning team's captain alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino .

White House confirmation and Friday reception at Trump Tower

Leavitt confirmed Trump's plans during a press briefing on July 16, stating that the president would first travel to New York City on Friday, July 17, to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, then appear at the final on Sunday . She described Trump's attendance as capping "what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history" .

This marks the only pre-match engagement with FIFA officials on Trump's public schedule .

Trophy presentation: a break from recent protocol

FIFA President Gianni Infantino first revealed in late June — and again at the World Economic Forum in Davos in January — that Trump would co-present the trophy . Infantino told Fox News: "We'll be together, the president enjoying the game and handing the trophy to the winner — of course, together" . At the previous two World Cups (Qatar 2022 and Russia 2018), Infantino presented the trophy alone. The joint presentation represents a departure from that norm .

Infantino and Trump have developed a close relationship over several years. The FIFA president presented Trump with the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., in December 2025 . FIFA also opened a representative office at Trump Tower in mid-2025 . Trump and Infantino sat together at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium .

Match specifics: Argentina vs. Spain

The final pits defending champions Argentina against 2010 winners Spain, kicking off at 3:00 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey .

Semifinal results:

• Spain defeated France 2–0 in Arlington, Texas, on July 14 .
• Argentina defeated England 2–1 in Atlanta on July 15, with Lautaro Martínez scoring the winner in extra time .

Trump has not attended any previous 2026 World Cup matches, despite the U.S. serving as a co-host alongside Canada and Mexico .

Closing ceremony lineup

The closing ceremony begins at 1:30 p.m. ET — 90 minutes before kickoff — featuring a star-studded lineup :

• Post Malone — headliner
• Tom Cruise — special appearance
• IShowSpeed (streamer Darren Watkins Jr.) — performer
• Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, and Laura Pausini — set to perform
• Jennifer Hudson — will sing the U.S. national anthem

The 2026 final will also feature the first-ever World Cup final halftime show, produced in partnership with Global Citizen and headlined by Madonna, Shakira, and BTS .