World Cup 2026: "Gianni Infantino has acted like a lackey for Donald Trump"

Donald Trump will attend the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in New York on Sunday, July 19, according to the White House. The president is expected to be present for the ceremony where he will join the winner’s podium and participate in the trophy presentation alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This marks the culmination of his involvement in the tournament, despite his absence during the earlier matches. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final taking place at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Spain and Argentina have been confirmed as the two finalists, competing for the championship title. While Trump did not attend any games during the competition, his presence at the final has been officially confirmed by the White House. A spokesperson for the administration, Karoline Leavitt, emphasized that his attendance would “crown what has been the most-watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in the history of the United States.” According to reports from Talksport, the FIFA has allowed Trump to stand on the winners' podium and even lift the prestigious trophy before the team captain. Traditionally, only the winning team's captain and players are permitted to handle the trophy. This deviation from protocol suggests that Trump’s participation has been given special consideration, possibly due to his high-profile status and political influence. Javier Milei, the president of Argentina, has stated that he will not attend the final, citing personal superstitions. His decision contrasts sharply with Trump’s planned appearance, highlighting differences in how world leaders engage with major sporting events. Meanwhile, the U.S. government has made clear its support for Trump’s attendance, framing it as a symbolic gesture of national pride and recognition of the tournament’s success. The White House has not provided further details regarding Trump’s specific role beyond the trophy presentation. However, it has stressed that his presence will serve as a fitting conclusion to the World Cup, which has drawn record audiences and maintained a high level of security throughout its duration. The event is expected to draw millions of viewers globally, reinforcing the United States’ position as a key player in international football. As the final approaches, all eyes will be on the MetLife Stadium, where Trump’s attendance adds an unusual layer to the already historic occasion. Whether this will be viewed as a positive contribution or a controversial spectacle remains to be seen, but one thing is certain, his presence will be a defining moment in the 2026 World Cup.