NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
President Donald Trump will be at MetLife Stadium for the World Cup final on Sunday, likely accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
This isn’t the first time a head of state has attended the World Cup, but in today’s political landscape, this one might just be the most polarizing.
Trump has attended many sporting events over the years, including some of the most prestigious events since he became president for the second time. Each time, the president is of course projected on the big screen and broadcast, and depending on the location, he receives different receptions.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump attend the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final match with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, July 13, 2025. (Etsuo Hara/Getty Images)
This time around, FOX broadcaster John Strong is prepared to report on Trump’s presence and knows it will be both heavily praised and scrutinized.
“Certainly, when it comes to President Trump, there are no neutral opinions. But what that means is that there are a lot of people in the audience who are very excited to see him at the game, and there will be a lot of people in the audience who may be less excited to have him on their television screen,” Strong told reporters on a Zoom call Friday.
“As always, it’s my job to play in the middle and recognize the fact that the President of the United States is engaging in sports, participating 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 the thing.
“But at the end of the day, I don’t think it should overshadow this wonderful sport, this wonderful event, although, as I say, at the same time, half of America will be thrilled to see him there, so excited that he’s a part of it. And we’ll obviously see what happens with the trophy ceremony and all that, too.”
Infantino first said last month on “Fox & Friends” that Trump would attend the contest, but it’s now official after press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Trump’s attendance, calling it “a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showed America’s ability to welcome the world to the biggest stage.”
Infantino said he and Trump would present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the captain of the winning team on the field.
“We will be with the president to enjoy the final and hand over the trophy to the winner, of course, together,” Infantino said.
U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) President Gianni Infantino talk in the Oval Office of the White House after signing an executive order for a FIFA World Cup-related task force, in Washington, DC, March 7, 2025. (Jim WATSON/AFP)
IF AIR QUALITY IS POOR, ARGENTINA COULD BE HURT BY SPAIN’S STYLE IN WORLD CUP FINAL, SAYS FOX ANALYST
Trump and Infantino did the same last year for the FIFA Club World Cup final, also at the New Jersey Stadium, when Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain, 3-0. This appearance took place a year after an assassination attempt on President Trump in Pennsylvania.
The president took part in the trophy presentation and presented awards to players and referees after Chelsea’s victory. Trump remained on stage during the celebration, causing some confusion.
Trump got involved in one of the biggest controversies of the World Cup, calling out Infantino and demanding a review of Folarin Balogun’s red card. Balogun was suspended for Team USA’s round of 16 play, but was later deemed eligible for the match.
Trump has yet to attend a World Cup match, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio was spotted at the U.S. men’s national team’s opening match against Paraguay, a 4-1 victory on June 12.
The president received the first FIFA Peace Prize at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC, during the final draw for the World Cup 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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
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.
