Trump to Attend World Cup Final on Sunday, White House Says
White House officials said Trump will join FIFA’s trophy ceremony after attending a reception at Trump Tower, capping a World Cup watched by millions.
- On Thursday, the White House confirmed President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino saying Trump will join him on stage to present the trophy.
- FIFA President Infantino announced in June on 'Fox & Friends' that Trump would present the trophy, though the White House did not formally confirm until Thursday; Infantino cultivated a close relationship with Trump by awarding him a newly created FIFA Peace Prize at the World Cup draw in Washington last year.
- Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday that Trump's attendance 'will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history,' despite Trump not attending any of the 102 games played during the tournament.
- Sources indicate FIFA will allow Trump discretion over whether to celebrate with the winning team or remain with other executives during the trophy lift, echoing his appearance at the Club World Cup Final last year when he presented to Chelsea captain Reece James.
- Scrutiny has grown around Trump's prominent ceremonial role given FIFA's emphasis on political neutrality, while fan theories about a 'Trump curse' have gained traction following the U.S. team's 4-1 loss to Belgium and Trump's recent criticism of Spain at a NATO summit.
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201 Articles
The Japan Times
Trump to bask in World Cup final spotlight
Trump is expected to present the trophy alongside FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
The president of the United States has to hand over the trophy to the winner on Sunday 19 July, without having attended any match. Between interventionism and disdain, the billionaire has weighed heavily on this World without being interested in sport for a second.
Spain, Argentina prepare for World Cup final, Trump hails success
Lionel Messi's Argentina are bidding to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups, while Spain are trying to win a second title after their maiden victory in 2010. Organisers said they were "monitoring closely" the smoke that has choked skies over large areas of the United States. "There's been discussion about it, and we have somebody with the National Weather Service that sits in FIFA headquarters there, so we'r…
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