After months of speculation, the World Cup has officially locked in its plans for President Trump's involvement this summer. According to a report from Ben Jacobs of talkSPORT, FIFA has extended an invitation to the 80-year-old U.S. president to take part in the trophy ceremony at the 2026 Men's World Cup final.
Trump previously joined the stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and PSG at MetLife Stadium, but the stakes are much higher now. The final decision means Trump will be asked to help lift the trophy for the championship team in front of a global audience.
“The US president has already been told FIFA wish him to hand over the World Cup trophy to the eventual champions,” Jacobs reported, citing sources familiar with the arrangement. It's a tradition for a representative of the host nation to bring the trophy onto the field, and this year that honor falls to the commander-in-chief.
But the details don't stop there. FIFA is giving Trump flexibility in how he participates. “Sources say FIFA will leave it to Trump’s own discretion as to whether he wishes to stay in with the team during the lift or remain with other executives during the ceremony,” Jacobs added. White House insiders reportedly believe Trump will once again choose to celebrate shoulder-to-shoulder with the victorious squad.
What This Means for the Tournament
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. This marks the first time the tournament has been staged across three nations, and the inclusion of a sitting U.S. president adds an extra layer of political and cultural significance to the event.
Meanwhile, the on-field action has already delivered fireworks. The U.S. men's national team opened their campaign with a historic 4-1 thrashing of Paraguay, the most goals ever scored by the Americans in a single World Cup match. That victory has fans buzzing about a potential deep run in the knockout rounds.
The U.S. squad returns to action on Friday against Australia in their second group-stage game. With the group lead within reach, the team is aiming to secure top spot and build momentum for the knockout phase.
Beyond the pitch, the tournament has sparked plenty of off-field drama. From Fox's massive hydration-break revenue to Landon Donovan's travel nightmare with United Airlines, the stories keep coming. And now, with Trump's role finalized, the World Cup is shaping up to be as much a political stage as a sporting one.
FIFA's decision ensures that the trophy ceremony will be a moment to remember, regardless of who lifts the cup. Whether Trump joins the celebration or watches from the sidelines, his presence will be felt across the globe.
