The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is expected to attract one of the biggest global audiences in sporting history, and with the tournament being co-hosted by the United States, many fans are wondering whether President Donald Trump will attend the showpiece event. Another common question is whether the U.S. president will have a role in the trophy presentation or if that responsibility will remain with FIFA officials. Here’s everything you need to know about Trump’s expected presence at the final and who is likely to hand over the World Cup trophy. 

Has the White House Confirmed President Donald Trump Will Attend the FIFA World Cup Final?

Yes, according to the Guardian, the White House has officially confirmed Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday, “We look forward to the final match on Sunday, and I know the president looks forward to attending.” 

Leavitt also said Trump will attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City before heading to the match at MetLife Stadium. That confirmation ended the build-up around whether the president would show up for the showpiece game, and now the answer is clear: he is in. 

That combination gives the match a political edge rare even by World Cup standards, because the final now carries a little more than just football history.

Will Trump Actually Hand the Trophy to the Winning Captain? What Protocol Is FIFA Breaking?

Yes. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winners after the final on July 19. According to Infantino, Trump has been granted permission to hand the trophy directly to the winning captain, giving the U.S. president a more active role in the presentation ceremony than is typically seen at World Cup finals.

While heads of state have appeared during previous World Cup trophy presentations, the final handover has traditionally been overseen by FIFA officials as part of the official ceremony. Trump’s involvement in personally handing the trophy to the champions marks a notable departure from that recent practice.

Speaking about the presentation, Infantino said, “We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course,” confirming Trump’s role in the ceremony. If the presentation unfolds as described, it will be one of the few occasions in World Cup history where a sitting head of state has played such a direct role in handing over football’s most coveted prize.

Which World Leaders and Dignitaries Are Joining Trump at the 2026 World Cup Final?

According to Reuters, several heads of state, senior government officials, FIFA executives, and leading figures from the sporting world are expected to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are among the confirmed attendees, while Argentine President Javier Milei has said he will not be present despite Argentina reaching the final.

As the biggest match in international football, the World Cup final traditionally attracts political leaders and football dignitaries from around the world. This year’s ceremony has drawn additional attention after FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will join him in presenting the World Cup trophy to the winning captain, marking a departure from recent FIFA trophy presentation ceremonies.

Trump is also no stranger to FIFA’s biggest events. He attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final and took part in the post-match trophy presentation, remaining on stage with Infantino during Chelsea’s celebrations. His appearance at the World Cup final is therefore expected to continue his growing involvement in FIFA’s showcase events.

With Trump’s attendance confirmed by the White House and Infantino announcing his role in the trophy presentation, the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to feature one of the most high-profile post-match ceremonies in the tournament’s history.