When the 2026 World Cup trophy is lifted at MetLife Stadium on July 19, U.S. President Donald Trump could be standing right alongside the winning team—a major break from FIFA’s long-established tradition—with football’s governing body reportedly giving him full discretion to remain on stage during the celebration.
According to multiple reports, including talkSPORT, FIFA has informed Trump that it wants him to personally hand the 18-carat gold trophy to the winning captain. Officials from co-host nations Mexico and Canada are also expected to be invited to take part in the ceremony. However, sources indicate FIFA will ultimately leave it to Trump’s discretion whether he steps aside after the presentation or stays with the team during the trophy lift.
A Break From Tradition
Standard FIFA protocol dictates a more restrained role for dignitaries. The World Cup trophy is typically placed on a plinth, approached and collected by the winning captain, then brought back to teammates for the celebratory lift. Heads of state traditionally observe from the sidelines. Russian President Vladimir Putin was present in 2018 as France collected the trophy, and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani did the same in 2022, but neither inserted themselves into the players’ moment.
The Club World Cup Precedent
Trump’s potential involvement follows a controversial appearance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 at the same MetLife Stadium. After handing the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, Trump remained on stage as the team celebrated amid fireworks and confetti.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino appeared to gesture for Trump to move aside, but the president stayed. Chelsea players were visibly taken aback. James later admitted: “Before, they told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage… but he wanted to stay”. Star midfielder Cole Palmer added: “I knew he was going to be here but I didn’t know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes”.
Trump also presented runners-up medals to PSG and individual awards, including the Golden Ball to Palmer and the Golden Glove to Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sánchez. He later revealed he had kept the original Club World Cup trophy at the White House, with Chelsea receiving a replica.
What Comes Next
White House insiders believe Trump would again choose to celebrate alongside the winning team if given the opportunity. FIFA President Infantino confirmed in January that he expected Trump to present the trophy, stating: “This trophy will be handed out on the 19th of July to the captain of the team who will win the World Cup. I will give it together with the President of the United States, the host country”.
Trump did not attend the USMNT’s opening victory over Paraguay due to scheduling conflicts, but he is expected to be present for the final. His potential on-stage role comes amid broader tournament controversies, including a Somali referee denied entry to the U.S. and immigration issues affecting multiple teams.
Whether Trump’s World Cup moment becomes a footnote or a defining image of the tournament now rests entirely on his own decision.
