The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to culminate on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, where the victorious nation will be handed football’s most coveted prize by an unexpected figure: US President Donald Trump. This announcement comes as FIFA simultaneously reinforces its stringent regulations concerning the custody and security of the iconic trophy, emphasizing its immense value and the temporary nature of its possession by the champions.
A presidential presentation
According to Sportbible, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the arrangements for the trophy presentation, stating that President Trump would be on hand to award the trophy to the tournament winners. “We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course,” Infantino told FOX. He also confirmed his own involvement, adding, “Of course, we are together all the time.” This will not be President Trump’s first time presenting a major FIFA accolade, having previously awarded the FIFA Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea last summer.
FIFA’s ironclad trophy regulations
While the winning nation will experience the euphoria of lifting the World Cup, FIFA’s official 2026 World Cup regulations make it clear that their custody of the trophy is strictly temporary and comes with significant responsibilities. The regulations explicitly state: “Participating Member Association shall take all reasonable steps, at its own expense, to ensure the security and safety of the Trophy and Winner’s Trophy while they are in its possession.”
The winning team is required to return the trophy at FIFA’s request, underscoring FIFA’s ultimate ownership. Further details will be outlined in forthcoming “Trophy Regulations,” which the winning association must fully comply with. All participating member associations, regardless of their performance, will receive a souvenir plaque.
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The battle for the ultimate prize
The announcement of the trophy presentation protocol comes as the 48-nation tournament progresses towards its knockout stages. After the group stage, 16 nations will be eliminated, leaving 32 to compete for the ultimate prize. As of June 24, several teams have already secured their places in the last 32, including:
- Argentina
- France
- Germany
- Mexico
- Norway
- USA
- Colombia
Meanwhile, Haiti, Turkey, Tunisia, Jordan, and Panama had been eliminated from contention. France has shown strong form, securing 3-1 and 3-0 victories against Senegal and Iraq respectively, with Kylian Mbappé netting four of their six goals. The Golden Boot race is heating up, with Lionel Messi leading with five goals from two matches, followed closely by Mbappé and Norway’s Erling Haaland, both with four goals. Germany’s Deniz Undav and Canada’s Jonathan David each have three goals.
Beyond the main trophy, several individual accolades will also be presented, including the Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove, Silver and Bronze Boots, Silver and Bronze Balls, FIFA Young Player Award (for players born on or after January 1, 2005), and the FIFA Fair Play Award.
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