Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday to attend the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, marking his first and only appearance at the tournament. The U.S. president landed via Marine One just before 1:00 p.m. ET after departing Bedminster, New Jersey, and later appeared on the stadium’s scoreboard alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and First Lady Melania Trump.
Trump’s Low-Key Arrival and Pre-Game Appearance
Pool reports noted that Trump’s helicopter conducted a brief flyover of the stadium, which went largely unnoticed by the crowd. He was later seen in a secured area behind protective glass, inspecting the FIFA trophy before it was taken away. According to reporters, there was no discernible reaction from fans when he appeared on the scoreboard.
Trump’s attendance adds a political dimension to the global event, as he and Infantino have a well-documented friendship. The president had previously hosted a reception with Infantino at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, where he suggested the U.S. could host the World Cup again in the future.
Trump Comments on Hosting and Messi Ahead of Final
In remarks to Fox Sports, Trump avoided picking a winner but acknowledged Argentina’s strength, saying, “It’s hard to bet against [Lionel] Messi.” He also proposed a solution to potential hosting controversies, suggesting FIFA announce two host countries simultaneously to “take out some of the anger and the shock.”
His presence at the final comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, with recent strikes between the two nations and the deaths of two U.S. servicemembers in Jordan. Despite this, Trump is scheduled to present the trophy to the winning team after the match.
Controversy and Future World Cup Hosting
Earlier in the tournament, Trump sparked criticism by urging Infantino to overturn a red card against a U.S. player before the team’s elimination. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has been widely regarded as a success, with roughly 10 million travelers projected to attend.
The next World Cups are already assigned to Morocco, Portugal, and Spain (2030) and Saudi Arabia (2034). The earliest the U.S. could host again would be 2038, nine years after Trump’s potential term ends.
