Trump to Present World Cup Trophy as US Celebrates Hosting Global Football Showpiece

US President Donald Trump is set to present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winners of Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain, capping off a tournament that the White House views as a major success for the United States despite months of political and logistical challenges.

Speaking at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, Trump said the tournament had changed perceptions about football in America.

“It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” Trump said. “This has really brought the world together.”

The final at MetLife Stadium concludes the largest FIFA World Cup ever staged, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organising the expanded tournament required close coordination among the three countries while addressing security, transportation and immigration issues.

Before the tournament began, the Trump administration faced criticism over its strict immigration policies, which prevented supporters from some World Cup qualifying nations from entering the United States. Human rights groups also raised concerns, while high ticket prices and transportation costs generated criticism from fans.

Additional controversy followed visa decisions affecting tournament participants, including the denial of entry to a referee from Somalia. Tensions increased after renewed conflict between the United States and Iran complicated travel arrangements for Iran’s national team and its supporters.

Despite those concerns, much of the attention shifted to the football itself as the tournament progressed. Fans from around the world shared their experiences of travelling across the United States, highlighting local culture, food and hospitality on social media.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said organisers considered the event a success because the focus remained largely on the matches and the atmosphere surrounding them.

He added that the tournament had showcased both world-class football and memorable cultural experiences for visiting supporters.

Trump also drew attention earlier in the competition after contacting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to question a red card shown to United States forward Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA later overturned the decision, allowing Balogun to play in the following game, although the United States was eventually eliminated by Belgium.

Giuliani defended the administration’s decision to seek clarification over the officiating process, saying the government had invested billions of dollars to ensure the tournament was secure and maintained high standards of integrity.

The successful hosting of the World Cup is viewed as an important test ahead of several major international sporting events scheduled for the United States. Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics, Salt Lake City is due to stage the 2034 Winter Olympics, and the country is also expected to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Political leaders are also expected to attend Sunday’s final. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accepted invitations from Trump despite ongoing trade disagreements between their governments and Washington. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will also be present, while Argentine President Javier Milei has chosen not to attend, citing personal superstition.

Trump is expected to present the World Cup trophy to either Argentina or Spain following the final, continuing the tradition of the host nation’s head of state taking part in the closing ceremony.