In a much-discussed moment during the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, former President Donald Trump took center stage before the champion was crowned. He was handed the prestigious World Cup trophy in the VIP box at MetLife Stadium, a scene that promptly went viral across social media platforms.
This past Sunday, Trump arrived to witness the intense match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, New Jersey, making a notable entrance via the presidential helicopter, Marine One.
During the game, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented Trump with the coveted trophy. Trump held it aloft, grinning as cameras captured the memorable event from every angle.
Journalist Eric Daugherty shared the moment online, stating, "President Trump just received the FIFA trophy at MetLife Stadium, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino by his side."
Earlier, journalist Nick Sortor provided insight into Trump's arrival. On social media platform X, Sortor mentioned that Trump was visibly impressed upon flying over a fully packed MetLife Stadium.
"All he could say was 'WOW' repeatedly," Sortor noted.
Trump to Possibly Present the Trophy
The scene fueled speculation regarding the award ceremony, as Trump was expected to play a role in presenting the trophy to the world champion alongside Infantino. Just weeks before the final, Infantino had hinted at this shared moment.
"We'll be there with the president enjoying the final and presenting the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino stated.
In the VIP box, notable figures such as First Lady Melania Trump, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were present.
However, Argentine President Javier Milei was notably absent, choosing instead to remain in Buenos Aires due to superstition, watching the match from the presidential residence in Olivos, where he had viewed all previous Argentina games.
A Close Relationship with Infantino
The image of Trump holding the trophy also harked back to an event in August 2025 when Infantino visited the White House and showed him the World Cup. On that occasion, Trump playfully asked, "Can I keep it?"
The day before the final, the two met again at an official reception in Trump Tower, Manhattan, where Infantino publicly thanked the U.S. administration for its support in organizing the tournament.
"This World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you," praised the FIFA leader.
Trump, in turn, admitted he had underestimated soccer's popularity in the United States.
"I said, 'That's crazy, we're not a soccer country!' and it turns out we are a soccer country," he remarked.
Before the final kicked off, Trump also shared in a Fox Sports interview his sentimental pick for the match: "It's hard to bet against Messi. He's great."
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Involvement in the FIFA World Cup
What was Donald Trump's reaction at MetLife Stadium?
Donald Trump was visibly pleased when he received the World Cup trophy at MetLife Stadium, a moment that quickly became viral on social media.
Was Donald Trump expected to present the World Cup trophy?
Yes, Trump was anticipated to be involved in the trophy presentation to the World Cup champion, alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Who were some of the notable attendees at the World Cup final?
Among the attendees were First Lady Melania Trump, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.