United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he plans to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as anticipation builds ahead of football’s biggest tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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“I will, I will,” Trump said when asked by an AFP reporter in the Oval Office whether he intended to attend any World Cup matches.
“I will, I will,” Trump said when asked by an AFP reporter in the Oval Office whether he intended to attend any World Cup matches.
He did not provide further details on his itinerary, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino has previously indicated he expects Trump to be involved in the final ceremony, including presenting the trophy to the winning team on July 19.
Trump has increasingly positioned himself around major global football events since returning to office, including a high-profile appearance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. During that match, he was met with a mixed reaction from spectators, including boos when shown on stadium screens and during the trophy presentation ceremony.
The MetLife Stadium, also scheduled to host the 2026 World Cup final, has become a symbolic focal point for FIFA’s expanded US footprint under Infantino’s leadership and its deepening engagement with the American political establishment.
Trump has previously emphasised his role during the successful US-led bid for the tournament in his first term and has maintained a close public relationship with Infantino, who has credited him with support for FIFA’s commercial and logistical ambitions.
“I spoke to Gianni this morning… he said there’s never been anything close” to the expected scale and success of the tournament, Trump said.
However, preparations for the tournament have been complicated by wider off-field issues, including rising ticket prices and immigration-related controversies that have affected entry for some fans, officials and personnel.
