US President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House has confirmed.
The match will take place on Sunday, July 19, at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, the venue normally known as MetLife Stadium.
Trump’s appearance will be his first at a match during this year’s tournament, which has been jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
White House confirms Trump’s plans
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the president’s plans during a briefing on Thursday.
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“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history,” Leavitt said, as quoted by The Straits Times.
The description represents the White House’s assessment of the tournament. No supporting audience or security figures were included in the announcement.
Trump is also scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, two days before the final.
Trump expected to present the trophy
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously said Trump would join him during the presentation ceremony following the match.
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“We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course,” Infantino said, according to BusinessDay.
Trump attended the FIFA Club World Cup final at the same stadium in 2025. He drew attention after remaining on the presentation stage while Chelsea lifted the trophy following their victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
His relationship with Infantino has remained highly visible throughout preparations for the World Cup. FIFA also opened an office at Trump Tower in New York ahead of the tournament.
Spain and Argentina meet for the title
Spain reached their first men’s World Cup final since winning the tournament in 2010 by defeating France 2-0 in the semifinal.
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Argentina secured their place with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in Atlanta. Lionel Scaloni’s side will now attempt to defend the title they won in Qatar four years ago.
The final brings together the reigning world champions and the reigning European champions. It also gives Spain an opportunity to win their second World Cup, while Argentina are chasing a fourth title.
According to NDTV Sports, the White House has not said whether Trump will support either team.
Politics joins football’s biggest stage
Trump’s attendance adds a political dimension to an event already expected to attract one of the year’s largest global television audiences.
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However, the original version of the story incorrectly described him as a former president. Trump returned to the White House in January 2025 and is the sitting US president.
He is expected to be joined at the final by Infantino and a large delegation of political, sporting and entertainment figures. Argentina’s President Javier Milei will not attend, having chosen to follow the same routine he has maintained during his country’s previous matches, as reported by AP.
For Spain and Argentina, the focus will remain on the trophy. Yet with the US president expected to take part in the presentation, the final will also provide one of the most prominent public stages of Trump’s second term.
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