FIFA appears to be giving in to Trump's unusual request, leaving Football experts puzzled

©picture alliance / Eibner-Pressefoto | Scott W. Coleman

The 32nd edition of the World Cup kicked off last week. Host nations Mexico, Canada, and the United States are welcoming 48 men’s national teams to the World Cup. However, the tense global geopolitical situation meant that not every country was welcomed with open arms at the final tournament. And Trump’s immigration policies and wars certainly played a role in that. In the meantime, the ball is rolling, and with most attention focused on what many consider the most important issue: football.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has already praised U.S. President Donald Trump (79) extensively for his involvement in the World Cup. “Without him, organizing the tournament in the U.S. would have been impossible. I have a good relationship with Trump. You’re talking about the greatest power in the world. He understands better than anyone what organizing the World Cup means.” And it now appears that a special role has been reserved for the U.S. president."

Trump wants to personally present the World Cup trophy to the World Cup winner

It appears that during the World Cup final, a leading role is in store for U.S. President Donald Trump.

FIFA is reportedly making a major exception for the president. According to reports within the football world, such as from talk SPORT, the international football federation is considering allowing Trump to personally present the World Cup to the captain of the winning team. This would be a departure from the usual protocols surrounding the presentation, where normally the FIFA president or another dignitary hands over the trophy.

The expectation that Trump will play a prominent role is certainly not unfounded. The president has previously shown that he enjoys making a visible appearance at major sporting events. During the final of the Club World Cup, for example, he was prominently present at the award ceremony and remained on stage while the players celebrated their victory. That experience likely played a role in FIFA’s decision.

For Trump, this would be a unique opportunity to position himself as a central figure at one of the world’s largest sporting events. Presenting the World Cup to the winner of the 2026 World Cup is historically one of the most iconic moments of the tournament.

FIFA’s decision to deviate from the usual protocol reflects the United States’ unique political and sporting position as the host of this World Cup. Whether Trump will actually present the World Cup trophy has yet to be officially confirmed by FIFA. But the signals within the football world are clear: Donald Trump is eyeing a prominent role at the World Cup final.

©picture alliance / Eibner-Pressefoto | Scott W. Coleman - illustrative image of the Club World Cup where Trump presented the trophy alongside Infantino