Donald Trump could play a central role in the presentation of the 2026 World Cup trophy on Sunday, July 19. FIFA has reportedly given the green light for the US president to participate directly in the final ceremony, with the possibility of presenting the trophy to the winning captain and remaining on stage when the champion team lifts it.
A world final at MetLife Stadium
The 2026 World Cup final will be played on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium, the name FIFA uses for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The stadium will host eight matches of the tournament, including the final. Kick-off for the final is scheduled for 15 p.m. local time.
This 2026 edition is the largest in the competition's history: 48 teams, 104 matches, and three host countries—the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament began on June 11 and will conclude on July 19.
A highly codified trophy
The World Cup trophy is no ordinary object in FIFA protocol. The champions place their hands on the original during the post-match ceremony, then receive a gold-plated replica. The original trophy is kept by FIFA and does not remain permanently in the hands of the winning team. Donald Trump, as head of state of the country hosting the final, joins the very select group of individuals authorized to touch the trophy without gloves. The question now is how far he will go in the ceremony: simply handing it to the captain, standing alongside Gianni Infantino, or participating visibly at the exact moment the winners lift the Cup? We'll find out in a month…
