Trump at the World Cup Final: Trophy Presentation to Spain or Argentina

No Stadium Visit So Far

The previous summer, Trump had already appeared at a major football final: the Club World Cup final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea at the NFL stadium of the New York Giants and the New York Jets. On that occasion, he presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James and remained on stage with the team. According to FIFA, Trump was allowed to keep the original Club World Cup trophy, which is kept in the Oval Office, permanently: „Die können Sie für immer behalten. Wir machen eine neue."

Since then, Trump has maintained a close relationship with Gianni Infantino. At the World Cup draw, Infantino had specially created a "FIFA Peace Prize" and honored Trump with a golden trophy and a medal, which Trump placed around his own neck. Trump described the ceremony as „eine der größten Ehren meines Lebens."

Trump and Infantino: A Close Relationship

During the tournament, Trump intervened in a sports-policy decision: he called Infantino and suggested reviewing the red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun. The suspension was subsequently reduced to probation. Trump and Infantino repeatedly stated that the decision had nothing to do with Infantino.

Beyond football, Trump has recently also been present at major sporting events: he attended game three of the NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden – the only game the Knicks lost on their way to the title. In addition, about a year and a half ago, he became the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl live in the stadium, in New Orleans at the time.

Intervention in the Balogun Affair

Before the final, Jennifer Hudson will sing the US national anthem. Normally, the host nation's anthem is not part of the ceremony at World Cup finals; during this World Cup's matches, it has previously been played from tape about an hour before kickoff, with the exception of July 4, US Independence Day, and the matches of the US national team.

A replica of the World Cup trophy is already on display at the White House. On Sunday, the original could now be added – either into the hands of Lionel Messi or Spain's Rodri. In the duel of the stars, Messi will face off against Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal.

Anthem by Jennifer Hudson Before Kickoff

A little over a month after his 80th birthday, Trump will thus hand over the centerpiece of the final. In Germany, the match will be broadcast live on ZDF and MagentaTV.

The role of a head of state in the trophy presentation is unusual, but not unprecedented: politicians have presented the trophy at previous World Cup finals. Infantino had announced Trump's participation early on as a historic moment and described Trump as a "great friend of football."

Whether Spain or Argentina wins the title will be decided late on Sunday evening German time. One thing is certain: Trump will present the trophy – thereby delivering at least one of the most photographed images of this tournament.