Trump to Attend World Cup Final Between Spain and Argentina

What’s Happening?

Imagine the biggest soccer tournament in the world—the World Cup—is having its final match this Sunday. It will be Spain vs. Argentina. According to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, Donald Trump (the president of the United States) will be there to watch!

Leavitt said on Thursday:

• “We look forward to the final match on Sunday, and I know the president looks forward to attending.”
• She also said this final is a great way to end a tournament that showed “America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage” (meaning the U.S. did a good job welcoming everyone).

Who Will Hand Over the Trophy?

Fifa is the big group that runs world soccer. Its president, Gianni Infantino, said Trump will give the winning team their trophy at the New Jersey New York Stadium.

Infantino repeated this plan in an interview with a Swiss outlet called Blue Sport:

• “Yes, hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final.”
• He explained this is what usually happens: the president of the country hosting the final gives the trophy together with the Fifa president.

Important Point: This is a long-time tradition. At the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, the emir (leader) of Qatar joined Infantino to give the trophy to Argentina’s players, including Lionel Messi. In 2018 in Russia, Vladimir Putin gave it to France’s Kylian Mbappé and team.

Trump’s History at Big Sports Events

Trump has been to many big games lately. Here’s a quick list:

• Last summer’s Club World Cup final (at the same stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey): He gave the trophy to Chelsea and heard loud boos from the crowd.
• After being reelected, he went to: the Super Bowl, the US Open tennis, the Daytona 500, and golf’s Ryder Cup.
• This year: several golf events, college football’s national championship, and Game 3 of the NBA finals (where Knicks fans booed him).

Trump’s Role in This World Cup (Even Before the Final)

Even though Trump hasn’t watched a live game at this World Cup yet, he’s been involved:

• He is good friends with Infantino.
• He called Infantino to ask for a review of a red-card (send-off) punishment for U.S. player Folarin Balogun before the last-16 match.
• Fifa did undo the ban, but the drama made things awkward for the U.S. team, and they lost to Belgium and went home.

What Else Is Trump Doing?

Leavitt shared a few more things:

1. She doesn’t know which team Trump is cheering for in the final. She joked: “I’m sure he’ll have a fun answer for you.”
2. Trump will go to a Fifa reception (a fancy meet-up) at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday.
3. Fifa opened an office in that building last year.

Summary

To wrap it up:

• Trump will watch the Spain vs. Argentina World Cup final on Sunday.
• He will likely help Infantino hand the trophy to the winners, following a tradition.
• He’s been to lots of sports events and has been active behind the scenes in this World Cup.
• He’ll also attend a Fifa event at Trump Tower on Friday, and nobody knows yet which team he supports.

FAQ

Q1: Why does the U.S. president give the World Cup trophy?
Because it’s a tradition: the leader of the country where the final is held presents it with the Fifa president, just like in 2018 and 2022.

Q2: Has Trump been to this World Cup before the final?
No, he hasn’t attended a match yet, but he called Fifa to help a U.S. player and is close with its president.

Q3: Will Trump say who he wants to win?
Not yet—his press secretary said she doesn’t know and expects him to give a fun answer later.

Q4: What is Trump Tower’s link to Fifa?
Fifa opened an office in Trump Tower last year, and Trump will attend a Fifa reception there on Friday.