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President Donald Trump will be at MetLife Stadium for Sunday’s World Cup final, likely joined by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
It’s hardly the first time a head of state has attended the World Cup, but with today’s political landscape, this one might just be the most polarizing.
Trump has attended numerous sporting events over the years, including some of the most prestigious events since becoming president for the second time. Each time the president is of course shown on the big screen and broadcast, and has received different receptions depending on the location.
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President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Final with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on July 13, 2025. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
This time, FOX broadcaster John Strong is prepared to report on Trump’s presence, knowing it will be both 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 super excited to see him at 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 in a Zoom call Friday.
“As always, it’s my job to play it down the middle and recognize the fact that the president of the United States is committed to the sport, being in the game, it’s a fun, unique thing… Whatever I say, the tone of my voice will be scrutinized. It will be what it is. That’s the nature of it.
“But at the end of the day, I don’t think it needs to overshadow the wonderful sport, the wonderful event that this is, even as I say, at the same time, half of America is going to be excited to see him there, be so excited that he’s a part of it. And obviously we’ll see what happens with the trophy ceremony and all that as well.”
Infantino first said last month on “Fox & Friends” that Trump would attend the competition, but it’s now official after press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s participation, calling it “a fitting end to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the biggest stage.”
Infantino said he and Trump will deliver the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winning team’s captain on the pitch.
“We will be with the president and enjoy the final and present the trophy to the winner, together of course,” Infantino said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) President Gianni Infantino speak in the Oval Office of the White House after signing an executive order for a task force related to the FIFA World Cup in Washington, DC, March 7, 2025. (Jim WATSON/AFP)
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Trump and Infantino did the same last year at 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 an assassination attempt on President Trump in Pennsylvania.
The President attended the trophy ceremony and presented awards to the players and referees after Chelsea won the match. Trump remained on stage for the celebration, causing some confusion.
Trump became embroiled 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 he was later ruled eligible for the match.
Trump has yet to attend a World Cup match, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio was spotted at the US men’s national team’s opening match against Paraguay, a 4-1 win on June 12.
The president was awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, during the World Cup finals 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. (Hector 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 take place in Washington, DC next month.
