Trump prepares for the 2026 World Cup, and one question keeps returning, will he repeat his trophy moment?

A tournament arriving at a politically charged moment

The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the largest in history, bringing 48 teams, millions of visitors, and a level of global attention that few sporting events can match. With matches scheduled in 11 US cities, the tournament will sit squarely in the American political spotlight.

And that has prompted a simple, but unavoidable question:
How visible will President Donald Trump be during the event?

The Club World Cup incident still lingers

Earlier this year, Trump drew global headlines by appearing at the Club World Cup final, stepping front and center during Chelsea’s trophy ceremony and later claiming that FIFA had allowed him to keep the original trophy in the Oval Office. Whether misunderstood or embellished, the moment became a viral symbol of Trump’s instinct to place himself inside major cultural stages.

The scene sparked endless debate online, turning into memes, editorials, and a broader discussion about the blending of politics, personality, and sport.

Read also: Ronaldo ready for 2026 after FIFA ruling, renewing Messi rivalry

Could a repeat happen at the World Cup?

FIFA follows strict protocols during the World Cup, especially around the trophy presentation. Only a small circle of officials and former champions are typically allowed near the trophy. Still, because the United States is hosting the event during Trump’s presidency, the speculation hasn’t stopped.

Analysts have suggested a few realistic scenarios:

1. A dramatic presence at the opening match

It is common for heads of state to attend World Cup opening ceremonies, but observers wonder whether Trump might take a more prominent role, as he did earlier this year, potentially overshadowing the sporting moment.

2. Another attempt at owning the spotlight

No one expects the World Cup trophy to show up in the Oval Office, but the fact that people are joking about the possibility shows how deeply the Club World Cup incident has shaped public expectations. Trump has established a pattern: if there is a stage and cameras, he tends to move toward the center of it.

Read also: Chelsea-bound Kazakh teenager makes Champions League history

3. Using the tournament as a political message platform

In his Club World Cup interview, Trump spoke about unity and international cooperation. With more than 100 countries involved in World Cup qualifying and dozens of foreign delegations expected to visit, the tournament provides ample opportunity for similar rhetoric, blending diplomacy with campaign messaging.

Fans are divided

American supporters are already split.

• Some believe Trump’s involvement could elevate the sport in a country where soccer still fights for mainstream dominance.
• Others worry that his presence could politicize the event and distract from the global, shared nature of the World Cup.

As kickoff approaches, the spotlight widens

No matter what Trump ultimately chooses to do, the 2026 World Cup will be too large, too symbolic, and too global to avoid political attention. And when the world’s most iconic trophy arrives in the United States, the focus won’t only be on the players.

It will also rest on the edges of the stage, where many will be watching closely to see:

Read also: Luis Enrique’s praise highlights Vitinha’s growing influence

Who stands there, and how close to the trophy will he be this time?

Read also: FIA increases scrutiny on McLaren as title fight heads to Qatar