US President Donald Trump will be in the spotlight at the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, after already causing one of the tournament's most controversial moments.

Trump is expected to hand the trophy to the winner of the final between Spain and Argentina, alongside FIFA President and close friend Gianni Infantino.

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The final in New Jersey will be Trump's first World Cup match attendance, an unusual step for the 80-year-old president known for his love of being in the limelight. However, this is not the first time he has intervened in tournament proceedings. Less than two weeks ago, Trump made a controversial phone call to Infantino, asking FIFA to overturn a red card shown to American striker Folarin Balogun so he could play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

Despite the ensuing controversy over fairness and influence, Trump praised the 2026 tournament, calling it the best ever.

Speaking at a reception hosted by FIFA with Infantino at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday, Trump said, 'This has been perhaps the most successful sporting event in the history of the world. It was amazing.'

Trump added that the tournament also helped increase the popularity of soccer in the United States, where American football, baseball, and basketball still dominate the sports scene.

He said, 'It turns out we are a soccer country, and I think it will continue this way,' adding that his 20-year-old son Barron is a fan of the game.

First Lady Melania Trump, Barron's mother, is expected to attend the final alongside her father Viktor Knavs with the US president.

- Soccer diplomacy -

The final may also provide an opportunity for some much-needed diplomacy.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and members of the Spanish royal family are scheduled to attend, although Trump recently attacked Madrid for what he considered a lack of assistance in the war against Iran and failing to meet spending goals within NATO.

Also attending will be the leaders of the two co-hosting countries, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, amid ongoing tensions with the mercurial US president.

Trump threatened Canada with tariffs on Friday after wildfire smoke from Canada reached the northeastern US, raising air quality concerns before the World Cup final.

Relations between Mexico and Washington remain tense due to Trump's broad crackdown on immigration and his threats of military action against drug traffickers.

The last meeting of the US, Canada, and Mexico leaders took place during the World Cup draw held in Washington in December.

Tight security measures will be in place during Trump's attendance, with a no-fly zone over the stadium area during his transfer from his golf club in New Jersey.

- Relations with Infantino -

Although the focus will be on soccer, Trump will also seek to dominate the scene.

Trump has tied his political image to the World Cup since returning to the Oval Office in January 2025, receiving Infantino on several occasions.

He has repeatedly boasted that he was the one who secured the World Cup and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics hosting rights for the US during his first term, before losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden in a result he still refuses to acknowledge.

Trump said Friday, 'I wasn't supposed to be here now, I would have been president for eight years... They rigged the election, and what did I get? I got the World Cup and the Olympics.'

Trump also joked on Friday about wanting the US to co-host a future World Cup with China, just one day after accusing Beijing of interfering in the 2020 election.

He said, 'This time we'll exclude Mexico and Canada.'

Trump, who played soccer in his youth, went so far as to criticize England's playing style in the semifinal they lost to Argentina, as well as German coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to adopt a defensive approach after taking the lead.

Attention will also turn to what Trump does on the field.

In last year's Club World Cup final held at the same stadium in New Jersey, Chelsea players looked 'a bit bewildered' after Trump remained on stage during their celebration and dancing after the trophy presentation.

Trump later claimed he was allowed to keep the same trophy in the Oval Office, but FIFA clarified that the version displayed there was only a replica.