Donald Trump is set to attend the World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain this Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, as confirmed by White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt.
The president will also participate in the trophy presentation ceremony alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino mentioned last month that both he and Trump would "enjoy the final and jointly present the trophy to the winner."
Trump's Schedule: From Manhattan to New Jersey
Trump's weekend schedule kicks off on Friday with a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in Manhattan. The following day, he will travel to New Jersey for the match.
Speculation Over Trump's Team Preference
The burning question is which team will receive Trump's backing. However, Leavitt kept the suspense alive, hinting that Trump would have "a humorous response" when reporters ask him directly.
Past remarks suggest a divided loyalty. During the World Cup draw in December 2025 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, Trump praised the Spanish team, saying, "I'm a huge fan of Spain. I love the country. They’ve always been a great team. They have a very good chance. Good luck, Spain, good luck."
Conversely, his strong political ties with Argentine President Javier Milei make predictions difficult. Trump previously expressed admiration for Milei, stating, "I love Argentina, its president is doing a very good job. He is making Argentina great again, MAGA."
Milei, due to superstition, will not attend the final in New Jersey. Instead, he plans to watch the game from the cinema at the presidential residence in Olivos, Buenos Aires, maintaining a tradition he started at the beginning of the tournament.
Diplomatic Tensions in the VIP Box
The absence of Milei doesn't ease the diplomatic strain in the VIP box. Pedro Sánchez, the Spanish Prime Minister, will be present, as confirmed by Moncloa sources. His presence comes just ten days after meeting Trump at the NATO summit in Ankara, where Trump criticized Spain's defense spending and urged a halt in trade with the country.
Despite the earlier tensions, a private conversation about soccer helped ease the atmosphere, with Sánchez describing the exchange as "all kindness and good words."
Joining Sánchez and Trump will be the entire Spanish royal family: King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor, and Infanta Sofía. The seating arrangements are proving to be exceptionally intricate.
Marina Fernández, Director of Communications at the International School of Protocol and Events, explained, "The photo of the VIP box is a snapshot of power at this moment. Sunday's seating will reflect that current power dynamic." She described the negotiations between FIFA, the White House, the Spanish Royal House, and Moncloa as "an absolutely fierce negotiation."
Trump's Unusual Attendance
Trump's attendance at the final is noteworthy as he has not attended any of the 102 preceding matches of the tournament, although his cabinet members were present at U.S. games. His most controversial involvement was a phone call to Infantino requesting a review of the red card given to forward Folarin Balogun. FIFA reversed the decision, a first in its history, but the U.S. was eliminated by Belgium the next day.
Trump is no stranger to trophy ceremonies at MetLife Stadium. He previously participated in the 2025 Club World Cup final, standing alongside Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy.
The final between Argentina and Spain is unprecedented, as the two teams have never faced each other in a World Cup final before.
Key Questions About Trump's World Cup Attendance
Why is Trump's attendance at the World Cup final significant?
Trump's presence is notable because he hasn't attended any of the previous matches, highlighting the importance of the final and his involvement in international sports diplomacy.
What are the diplomatic implications of the VIP box seating arrangements?
The seating arrangements are complex due to the presence of prominent figures like Trump, Sánchez, and the Spanish royal family, reflecting global political dynamics and power structures.