President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain and is set to present the trophy to the winning team alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The White House confirmed the president's attendance for Sunday's final in New Jersey, marking his first appearance at any match in the tournament that has seen 102 games played across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
White House confirms president's plans
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “We look forward to the final match on Sunday, and I know the president looks forward to attending. This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.” She also confirmed that the US president is scheduled to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Saturday night.
Infantino's earlier remarks
Earlier this week, Infantino had outlined plans for the US president to attend the final, telling Blue Sport: “Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final. That’s always been the plan, and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president.” On why Trump has not attended any of the previous 102 matches, Infantino added: “I suppose he still has a few other things to do ... And when he’s at the stadium, people will ask, ‘What’s he doing at the stadium when there’s so much going on in the world?’ I’m always in touch with him and his government, which is doing a great job with the World Cup.”
