President Donald Trump has been a central figure at the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, and not everyone is happy about it. From questioning a red card decision to preparing to hand over the trophy on Sunday, Trump's presence has sparked debate. But FIFA is making it clear: the U.S. president is welcome.
Trump first stirred controversy when he asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun's red card ahead of the U.S. men's national team's Round of 16 match against Belgium. FIFA ultimately overturned the suspension, allowing Balogun to play. Critics accused Trump of using his political muscle to sway tournament decisions, but the president pushed back.
“All I did was ask for a review. I didn’t say, you have to do this,” Trump said. “This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He’s a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great. I feel like we have to have all the best players on the field.”
The U.S. still lost 4-1 to Belgium, but the incident set the tone for Trump's ongoing involvement. Now, he's set to be on stage in New Jersey when the trophy is awarded to either Spain, England, or Argentina. CNN has called this controversial, citing Trump's foreign policy clashes with multiple nations in the tournament.
“No matter who is in the final World Cup match, there could be some awkwardness in New Jersey on July 19 when US President Donald Trump presents the trophy,” CNN wrote. “Trump has made war on one country in the tournament and verbal war on many others. He has insulted the people or its leaders of multiple others. He’s tried to influence elections in South America, imposed tariffs on economies everywhere, and broken old bonds as he’s tried to remake the world order with an America First foreign policy.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, however, is standing firm. In an interview with blue Sport, Infantino defended Trump's behavior and his role in the trophy ceremony.
“We’re in touch regularly,” Infantino said. “Almost every day—he’s happy and really enjoys the tournament. He watches all the games on TV.”
Infantino confirmed that Trump is expected to attend the final on Sunday. “Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final,” he said. “That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president.”
The final kicks off at 3 p.m. E.T. on Sunday. Meanwhile, questions about England's semifinal loss to Argentina and controversial referee decisions continue to dominate headlines. But for now, all eyes are on Trump and his role in the biggest game of the tournament.
