According to a report shared on Instagram, Trump will not only hand over the iconic prize but has also been granted permission to participate in the celebratory trophy lift with the victorious squad, a major departure from traditional FIFA protocol.

While the arrangement promises a massive media spectacle, it has also prompted sports analysts and political commentators to ponder an extraordinarily complex scenario: what would happen if the Iranian national team defied the odds and won the tournament?

A high-stakes diplomatic hypothetical

The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has already seen geopolitical undercurrents influence the games, with the Iranian squad even adjusting its training base locations due to regional tensions. Should Iran mount a historic campaign and claim the world title, the post-match ceremony would force an unprecedented diplomatic collision on live television.

The image of Trump, whose political legacy is deeply intertwined with a hardline stance toward Tehran—handing the World Cup trophy to Iranian players and potentially joining them in a shared celebration would stand as one of the most politically charged moments in modern sports history. FIFA’s decision to give the host nation’s leader such a proactive role assumes a straightforward celebration, but a victory by a geopolitical adversary like Iran would push the boundaries of international sports diplomacy to their absolute limit.

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Breaking traditional FIFA protocol

Under standard FIFA guidelines, the World Cup trophy typically sits on a dedicated plinth until the winning captain carries it over to lift it exclusively with their teammates on the podium. Trump’s anticipated involvement follows a precedent set at the Club World Cup, where he remained on stage alongside Chelsea players during their celebrations, a moment that drew both global attention and bemusement from football purists.

While insiders suggest that the American leader is fully prepared to take FIFA up on the offer at MetLife Stadium, the unconventional setup ensures that the closing ceremony in New Jersey will face intense scrutiny regardless of who makes the final. Whether the tournament concludes with a traditional footballing powerhouse lifting the prize or a logistical and diplomatic maze, the trophy presentation is poised to be remembered long after the final whistle.

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