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President Donald Trump will be at MetLife Stadium for Sunday’s World Cup final, likely accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
This is not the first time a head of state has attended the World Cup, but with the current political landscape, this may be the most polarizing.
Trump has attended numerous sporting events over the years, including some of the most prestigious events since he became president for the second time. Of course, the president appears every time on the big screen and in broadcast, and depending on the place he has had different receptions.
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President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final match with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 13, 2025. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
This time, FOX host John Strong is prepared to report on Trump’s attendance and knows it will be highly praised and scrutinized.
“Certainly, when it comes to President Trump, there are no neutral opinions. But that means there are a lot of people in the audience who are very excited to see him in the game, and there will be a lot of people in the audience who are maybe less excited to have him on their TV screen,” Strong told reporters on a Zoom call Friday.
“As always, it’s my job to play in the middle and recognize the fact that the president of the United States is committed to sports, being in the game, that’s something fun and unique… Anything I say, the tone of my voice will be analyzed. It will be what it is. That’s the nature of this.
“But at the end of the day, I don’t think it should overshadow the wonderful sport, the wonderful event that this is, even as I say, at the same time, half of America will be excited to see him there, will be so excited for him to be a part of this. And obviously we’ll see what happens with the trophy ceremony and all that too.”
Infantino first said last month on “Fox & Friends” that Trump would attend the contest, but it’s now official after Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s attendance, calling it “a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.”
Infantino said he and Trump will present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the captain of the winning team on the field.
“We will be with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino said.
US President Donald Trump and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) President Gianni Infantino talk in the Oval Office of the White House after signing an executive order for a working group related to the FIFA World Cup, in Washington, DC, on March 7, 2025. (Jim WATSON/AFP)
IF AIR QUALITY IS BAD, ARGENTINA COULD BE HURT BY SPAIN’S STYLE IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL, SAYS FOX ANALYST
Trump and Infantino did the same last year in the FIFA Club World Cup final, also at the New Jersey stadium, when Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. The appearance came a year after the attempted assassination of President Trump in Pennsylvania.
The president participated in the trophy presentation and presented prizes to the players and referees after Chelsea’s victory. Trump remained on stage during the celebration, causing some confusion.
Trump found himself involved in one of the biggest controversies of the World Cup, calling Infantino and requesting a review of Folarin Balogun’s red card. Balogun was suspended for Team USA’s round of 16 match, but was later declared eligible for the game.
Trump has yet to attend a World Cup game, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio was seen at the United States Men’s National Team’s first game against Paraguay, a 4-1 victory on June 12.
The president received the first FIFA Peace Prize at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, during the final draw for the World Cup in December.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shakes hands with US President Donald Trump as he receives the FIFA Peace Prize during the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. (Héctor Vivas – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
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Trump recently attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, while the White House hosted UFC Freedom 250 last month. An IndyCar race will be held next month in Washington, DC.
