Extraordinary security measures, the 'gaffe effect' of Trump and the morbidity of a possible delivery of trophies to the criticized Spain

Donald Trump has made a deliberate effort to remain in the shadows during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining an almost complete absence from public view. He did not attend the opening ceremony in Mexico, skipped his team’s debut match in Los Angeles, and has shown little interest in the tournament overall. His involvement has been limited to behind-the-scenes efforts with U.S. officials, including pressure from White House lawyers and the president himself, to have a red card removed from one of his players ahead of the match against Belgium. Despite this low profile, Trump, known for his strategic approach to media and messaging, recognizes the significance of Sunday’s final in New Jersey. With millions of viewers expected to watch the game, he sees an opportunity to re-enter the spotlight, especially in the context of an upcoming election and following a decline in support among Latino voters. His presence will influence everything from coverage schedules to security measures, making his attendance a major point of discussion. Trump's history of controversial appearances in high-profile sporting events has led to the so-called “Trump Jinx,” a term used to describe the association of his presence with the downfall of favorites or home teams. He attended the 2025 Super Bowl and predicted a victory for the Kansas City Chiefs, which was later overturned by the Philadelphia Eagles. He also watched the Washington Commanders lose to the Detroit Lions at home and sat through Europe’s triumph over the United States in the 2024 Ryder Cup. More recently, he witnessed the collapse of Miami’s hopes in the National Collegiate Soccer Championship and sat in the owner’s suite as the New York Knicks ended their playoff winning streak. Spanish observers are particularly interested in whether Trump will make an appearance, given his close relationship with Argentine President Javier Milei and recent interactions with British star Harry Kane. While Trump once praised Spain’s chances of winning, tensions have risen since his return to power, especially after comments made during the NATO summit. This has heightened anticipation around the possibility of Trump delivering the trophy to Spanish representatives, potentially adding another layer to the already complex dynamics between the two nations. The attention surrounding Trump’s potential participation extends beyond politics. It includes speculation about his plans to walk onto the field to present awards, a move he previously executed during the FIFA Club World Cup final. In that instance, players from Chelsea expressed confusion over how long Trump remained at the center of the stage, holding the trophy as though he were a winner. There is uncertainty whether the FIFA leadership under Gianni Infantino will attempt to adjust protocols to prevent such scenarios from repeating. Security will also play a critical role in shaping the experience of fans attending the final. Those with tickets must arrive at the stadium up to four hours before kickoff, primarily to avoid missing the closing ceremony but also due to the heightened scrutiny that comes with Trump’s presence. The area around the MetLife Stadium will see additional road closures, and security checkpoints will likely be more rigorous than usual. Fans will be required to arrive without bags, fully exposed, and without any special privileges, reflecting the level of caution being taken.