The U.S. president is set to attend the final match between Argentina and Spain, and FIFA’s leader has said “the plan” is for Trump to help present the trophy.
Read more What happened under Trump this week
President Donald Trump is expected to present the World Cup trophy after Sunday’s final match between Argentina and Spain.
Trump is set to attend the match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
“His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure and most successful World Cup in American history,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Thursday, calling it a “fitting conclusion” to the tournament.
Trump is also set to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday.
The White House has not publicly confirmed Trump will present the trophy Sunday. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said “the plan” is for Trump to present the trophy, noting the precedent set by past host countries, such as Qatar in 2022.
Read more Despite expectations, Georgia never came up in Trump’s prime-time speech
The emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, joined Infantino to award the trophy that year.
Trump’s involvement in the World Cup — including his intervention after American star Folarin Balogun was briefly suspended — has drawn a mixed reaction from American soccer fans and criticism from foreign fans.
Catch up quickly every weekday morning with a rundown of the 7 most important and interesting stories. Sign up for The 7 newsletter.
Read more Luis García Jr. is enjoying a career year a decade in the making
