TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The 2026 FIFA World Cup has reached its final stage, with Argentina set to face Spain in the tournament's decisive match on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
As the world's biggest football tournament prepares for its conclusion, attention is also turning to the high-profile figures expected to attend the final, including US President Donald Trump.
The White House has confirmed that Trump will be present at the match, marking his first appearance at the 2026 World Cup. He is also expected to take part in the trophy presentation ceremony after the final.
Trump to Attend World Cup Final
Donald Trump is set to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, July 19, according to USA Today.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump's presence would serve as a fitting conclusion to a tournament hosted by the United States.
"We look forward to the final match on Sunday, and I know the president looks forward to attending," Leavitt said, as quoted by The Guardian on Friday. "This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage," she said.
Trump Expected to Present World Cup Trophy
Trump is expected to present the World Cup trophy to the winning team after the final, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino had announced in June that Trump would attend the final and participate in the trophy presentation alongside FIFA officials.
"We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course," Infantino said in an interview in June, as quoted by USA Today.
Before attending the match, Trump is scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on July 17 local time.
Trump's World Cup Involvement
Although the final will be Trump's first appearance at the tournament, the US president has already been involved in several World Cup-related developments.
Earlier this month, Trump said he had asked Infantino to review a red card received by United States forward Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia.
FIFA later overturned Balogun's one-match suspension, allowing him to play against Belgium. However, his return could not prevent the United States from suffering a 4-1 defeat against Belgium.
Why Trump's Trophy Role Draws Attention
Trump's planned role in the trophy presentation has also revived memories of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final, which was held at the same stadium.
During that ceremony, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James but remained on the podium during the team's celebrations instead of immediately leaving.
After the event, Trump was also reported to have kept a replica of the trophy at his office, sparking discussion among football fans.
The World Cup final will feature a highly anticipated clash between Argentina and Spain, bringing together football's established icons and emerging stars.
Lionel Messi will lead Argentina into another historic final, while Spain will rely on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who has become one of the tournament's biggest attractions.
The match has gained additional attention after a viral photograph resurfaced showing Messi holding and bathing baby Yamal during a 2007 Barcelona-UNICEF charity campaign.
Nearly two decades later, the two Barcelona academy graduates will meet on football's biggest stage, with Messi representing a legendary generation and Yamal symbolizing the future of the sport.
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