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White House issue update on Donald Trump attending the 2026 World Cup final

Photo by Emilee Chinn - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Photo by Emilee Chinn - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
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US President Donald Trump has not attended a game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup thus far. 

That does not mean, however, that he has not been in the headlines related to the biggest tournament soccer has to offer.

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Indeed, Trump was criticized for his supposed role in a decision from a FIFA disciplinary committee to suspend Folarin Balogun’s red card during the USMNT’s run to the World Cup round of 16.

Balogun was sent off against Bosnia but was able to play against Belgium in the next round in almost unprecedented scenes. Mauricio Pochettino’s team, however, lost 4-1 despite all of the drama heading into that game in Seattle.

Now, for the first time, it seems as if Trump is ready to attend a game at the 2026 World Cup, and the biggest one of them all no less. 

Trump set to attend World Cup final between Spain and Argentina

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed that Trump will be in attendance when the 23rd World Cup final takes place in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon local time.

Leavitt told reporters: “We ​look forward to the final match ⁠on Sunday, and I know ​the president looks forward to attending.

“His attendance will cap what has been the ​most watched, most secure, and ​most successful World Cup in American history.” 

The US president is also set to attend a FIFA reception at the Trump Tower in New York City on Friday.

Trump, of course, was also at the 2025 Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, which was also held at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Trump presented Chelsea with the trophy after they beat the French giants and remained stood next to captain Reece James as the players celebrated on a stage. 

Donald Trump celebrates with the Chelsea team as they win the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images

Due to FIFA branding rules during the tournament, the arena will be called the New York New Jersey Stadium.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed last week that he hoped to present Sunday’s winners with the iconic trophy alongside Trump. 

Read more:

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‘Stay out of it’ – Donald Trump called out by Chris Russo for ‘butting in’ on USMNT’s World Cup

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