White House confirms Donald Trump will attend World Cup final as he's expected to break FIFA protocol
Despite not attending a single game throughout the tournament, Donald Trump will be at the World Cup final on Sunday (19 July).
The White House has confirmed that the US president will be among the tens of thousands of people in the stands at the New York New Jersey Stadium as Spain take on Argentina.
Football fans are looking forward to seeing wonderkid Lamine Yamal go head-to-head with Lionel Messi in what is sure to be a memorable match - but it has been speculated that Trump might try to steal the spotlight.
Sunday is already shaping up to be quite the spectacle, as the 2026 World Cup final will feature a Super Bowl-style halftime performance.
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It will feature performances from stars including Justin Bieber, Shakira and Madonna - although not everyone is happy to hear that it's going to put a 30-minute dent in the evening.
Spanish royals King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are heading Stateside to catch the pivotal game, while celebrities and other high-profile figures will also be in attendance.
Trump - who was awarded the the inaugural 'FIFA Peace Prize' at the World Cup draw late last year - is 'looking forward' to rubbing shoulders with these lot, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
On Thursday (16 July), she announced that the commander-in-chief will be attending the World Cup final after days of speculation about his plans.
"We look forward to the final match on Sunday, and I know the president looks forward to attending,” Leavitt said.
"This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage."
When asked which team he is throwing his weight behind, Leavitt told reporters: "I’m sure he’ll have a fun answer for you."
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino previously said that Trump would have the honour of handing the coveted World Cup trophy to the winning team.
"Yes, hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final,” Infantino told Swiss media outlet Blue Sport.
"That’s always been the plan, and that’s how it’s always been done in the past - the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president."
Infantino doesn't have an issue with Trump taking on this honour and it is expected that he will then stay on stage for the celebrations - even though it breaks FIFA protocol.
It is thought that scenes reminiscent of what happened at the Club World Cup last summer could unfold after the 80-year-old crowns the winners.
Trump awkwardly lingered on the podium after handing Chelsea’s Reece James the trophy after the team triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain.
In wake of this, the England right-back said: "They told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay.
"He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment."
Cole Palmer also comically added: "I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused.”
Speaking at last summer's Club World Cup final, Trump said: "It's about unity, it's about everybody getting together and a lot of love between countries.
"I guess this is probably the most international sport, so it can really bring the world together."
Where is the next World Cup?
Morocco, Portugal and Spain will co-host the FIFA World Cup in 2030, marking the football tournament’s 100th anniversary.
It’s set to run from 8 June 2030 to 21 July 2030, making it the longest World Cup in history at 44 days.
FIFA also announced that three separate matches will take place in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, as a tribute to the first-ever World Cup back in 1930.
Topics: US News, Donald Trump, Football, World Cup
Olivia Burke