Donald Trump set for unprecedented World Cup role after FIFA protocol change

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FIFA are ready to let Donald Trump break with tradition during the World Cup trophy presentation at the 2026 final.

The US president is expected to attend the showpiece match at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

The potential flashpoint centres on whether Trump remains beside the winning captain when the trophy is lifted.

FIFA ready to give Donald Trump freedom over World Cup trophy lift

According to talkSport, FIFA have no objection to Trump handing the World Cup trophy directly to the winning captain.

That would be a notable change from the usual ceremony, where the trophy is kept on a plinth before being taken forward by the winning team.

Sources familiar with the situation believe FIFA will leave the final call to Trump’s own discretion.

He could stay with the champions during the trophy lift, or step away and stand with other executives once the presentation has been made.

The risk for FIFA is obvious because the World Cup trophy lift is designed to belong to the players.

It is the one image that travels around the world after the final whistle, and any unexpected figure in the middle of it immediately changes the focus.

Chelsea trophy scene shows why FIFA may face an awkward moment

Trump caused surprise at the Club World Cup when he stayed close to Chelsea captain Reece James during the trophy lift.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino appeared to try to move him away at first, before later encouraging him to remain on stage. Cole Palmer later admitted he had not expected Trump to be standing where Chelsea lifted the trophy.

“I knew he was going to be here, but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand where we lift the trophy, so I was a bit confused.”

It will become one of the defining images of the 2026 tournament. There is nothing unusual about political leaders appearing at major international finals.

The difference here is the possibility of Trump remaining in the centre of the celebration after the handover has been completed. For FIFA, this is a small protocol call with the potential to become a very large visual story.