The 2026 FIFA World Cup is still weeks away from its July 19 finale, but the tournament has already delivered plenty of memorable moments. Fans from around the globe have descended on the United States, bringing their own traditions, songs, and celebrations with them. Scottish supporters have once again showcased why the famous Tartan Army remains one of soccer's most recognizable fan groups, while Norwegian fans have attracted attention with their energetic rowing-themed celebrations.
Now, however, a different World Cup storyline is generating discussion.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino: We're going to be together with the President enjoying the World Cup Final and handing the trophy to the winner together. pic.twitter.com/KD2sVF0nJA
— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) June 23, 2026
During an appearance on Fox & Friends, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that President Donald Trump is expected to participate in the trophy presentation ceremony following the World Cup final. The revelation came after host Brian Kilmeade noted Trump's involvement in presenting the FIFA Club World Cup trophy and asked whether a similar role was planned for the sport's biggest event.
"We're going to be together with the President, enjoying the Final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino said. "Of course, we are together all the time."
According to Infantino, he and Trump will jointly present the trophy to the captain of the winning team following the championship match.
The announcement immediately sparked reactions online, though the arrangement is hardly unprecedented. While FIFA presidents have often handled trophy presentations in recent decades, heads of state and prominent national leaders have participated in such ceremonies throughout World Cup history.
When Italy captured the 1982 World Cup in Spain, King Juan Carlos presented the trophy to Italian captain Dino Zoff. Going back even further, England captain Bobby Moore famously received the Jules Rimet Trophy from Queen Elizabeth II after England's historic victory in 1966. The involvement of political leaders and heads of state at major sporting events has long been part of the World Cup tradition.
Still, Trump's expected presence at the ceremony is certain to become a topic of political discussion. Social media users have already begun speculating about possible outcomes, with some joking about how various international matchups might play out if Trump is standing on the podium when the trophy is awarded.
Meanwhile, White House World Cup Task Force Director Andrew Giuliani says the president has been paying close attention to the tournament despite not yet attending a match in person.
“I spoke to him a day or two after the U.S. won against Paraguay,” Giuliani told The Telegraph. “He’s pumped. He understands this is a really good team that has a really special opportunity here.”
THROWBACK: President Donald Trump attended the final of the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last year ⚽
President @realdonaldtrump will bring all the HYPE to the FIFA World Cup finals this year, hosted in the greatest country in the world🇺🇸 https://t.co/tPKk4DkRNZ pic.twitter.com/n2ubRvIxY2
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) June 23, 2026
That comment may be what truly captures the imagination of American soccer fans. The United States has generated considerable excitement during the tournament, and while lifting the World Cup remains a daunting challenge, the possibility alone is enough to fuel speculation.
If the host nation were somehow to make a deep run—or even capture the title—the final ceremony would instantly become one of the most memorable moments in American sports history. A packed stadium, a home-country victory, and the President of the United States helping present the World Cup trophy would create an image certain to dominate headlines long after the final whistle blows.
For now, though, fans still have several weeks of soccer left before anyone gets their hands on the sport's most coveted prize.