United States President Donald Trump could once again find himself at the centre of a FIFA trophy presentation after reports emerged that football’s governing body has no objection to him taking an unprecedented role during the 2026 World Cup final celebrations.Trump, who turned 80 on Sunday and is expected to attend the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 19, has reportedly told FIFA that he would like to hand the World Cup trophy to the winning team. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has informed him that he has broad freedom regarding his involvement in the ceremony, leaving open the possibility of another departure from long-established World Cup presentation traditions.
FIFA willing to give Trump freedom during trophy ceremony
According to talkSPORT, Trump has informed FIFA that he would like to personally hand the trophy to the eventual champions, with the organisation having no objection to the move despite it representing a break from the traditional presentation format.The prospect has already generated attention because FIFA trophy ceremonies have historically followed a familiar structure. The World Cup trophy is usually displayed on a plinth before being carried onto the celebration podium by a member of the victorious team, most commonly the captain, who then presents it to teammates before the trophy lift takes place.
Why did Donald Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw? (Image via Getty)
Sources close to FIFA indicate that the organisation has no objection to Trump personally presenting the trophy if he wishes to do so. The same sources suggest FIFA will also leave it entirely to Trump’s discretion whether he remains on stage with the winning players during the celebrations or steps aside to join other dignitaries and executives once the presentation has been completed.White House insiders reportedly believe Trump would be inclined to remain with the victorious team if given the opportunity. His schedule remains subject to change, and White House sources have not ruled out the possibility of him attending multiple matches during the tournament, but he is currently expected to be present for the final.
Club World Cup celebrations offered a preview
The possibility of Trump remaining alongside the winners during the World Cup trophy lift is not without precedent.Last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup final provided a glimpse of how such a scenario could unfold. After Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain, Trump remained among the celebrating players during the trophy lift rather than immediately moving away from the podium.The unusual scene generated widespread discussion, with several Chelsea players appearing surprised by his presence during the celebrations. Cole Palmer was among those who appeared visibly confused as the president stood alongside the team during their moment of triumph.Sources close to FIFA say it will ultimately be Trump’s decision whether he stands with the winners in a similar fashion at the World Cup final or joins other executives and dignitaries during the ceremony.
Trump’s growing involvement with the World Cup
The possibility of a similar moment unfolding at the World Cup final carries even greater significance given the scale of the tournament.The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup is the largest in the competition’s history, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and host venues spread across three countries and 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada. All three host nations opened the tournament with positive results, adding to the excitement surrounding the competition.Trump has maintained a visible presence around FIFA events throughout the build-up to the tournament. He attended the official World Cup draw in Washington in December 2025, where he also received FIFA’s Peace Prize, and has developed a close working relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.Although Trump did not attend the United States men’s national team’s opening 4-1 victory over Paraguay due to a scheduling conflict in Washington, he remained engaged with the tournament. Ahead of the match, he personally called Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT squad to offer his support and encouragement before their World Cup campaign began.His absence from the opener does not appear to have affected plans for the final. Reports continue to indicate that he is expected to attend the championship match at MetLife Stadium on July 19, where the eventual winners will lift football’s most coveted prize.
What FIFA’s regulations actually say
Despite suggestions that Trump’s involvement would break FIFA rules, the governing body’s official regulations do not explicitly dictate who must physically hand over the trophy during the ceremony.The regulations state: “The winner of the FIFA World Cup 26 will be presented with the FIFA World Cup Trophy (‘Trophy’), which remains the property of FIFA. The winning team will be provided with the Trophy during an on-pitch ceremony immediately following the final whistle and will return it to FIFA in its dressing room immediately after the ceremonies of the final match and prior to its departure from the stadium.”While the winners receive the trophy, they will also be awarded a souvenir plaque marking their participation. All 48 participating member associations will receive a plaque, while diplomas will be presented to the teams finishing first, second and third in the competition.Notably, the regulations do not specify the individual responsible for physically presenting the trophy to the champions.That distinction means the discussion centres more on tradition and protocol than on any formal breach of FIFA regulations.Whether Trump ultimately chooses to hand over the trophy, stand alongside the winners during the celebrations, or simply observe from the official party remains undecided. What appears increasingly likely, however, is that the 2026 World Cup final could produce another memorable moment involving the United States president and football’s most famous trophy.
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