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

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

The final, to be held in New Jersey, will be the first World Cup match Trump has attended, an unusual step for the 80-year-old president known for his love of the limelight.

But this is not the first time he has intervened in the tournament's proceedings. Less than two weeks ago, Trump made a widely controversial phone call to Infantino, demanding FIFA 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 FIFA reception hosted by Infantino at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, Trump said: 'This has been the most successful sporting event perhaps in the history of the world. It was amazing.'

Trump added that the tournament had also boosted soccer's popularity in the United States, where American football, baseball, and basketball still dominate the sports scene.

He said: 'Turns out we are a soccer country, and I think it's going to stay that way,' adding that his son Barron (20) is a fan of the game.

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

The final could also provide an opportunity for much-needed diplomacy. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and members of the Spanish royal family are scheduled to attend, despite Trump's recent attacks on Madrid over what he sees as a lack of help in the war on Iran and failure to meet NATO spending targets.

Leaders of the two co-hosting nations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, will also attend, amid ongoing tensions with the volatile US president.

Trump had threatened Canada with tariffs on Friday after wildfire smoke from the country reached the northeastern United States, raising concerns about air quality ahead of the World Cup final.

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

The last meeting of the US, Canadian, and Mexican leaders was during the World Cup draw in Washington in December. Tight security measures will be in place for Trump's attendance, with a no-fly zone around the stadium as he travels from his golf club in New Jersey.

Although the focus will be on soccer, Trump will also seek to dominate the spotlight. He 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 personally secured the hosting rights for the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics during his first term, before losing the 2020 election to Joe Biden, a result he still refuses to acknowledge.

Trump said on 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 United States to co-host a future World Cup with China, just one day after he accused 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 their semi-final loss to Argentina, as well as German coach Thomas Tuchel's decision to adopt a defensive approach after taking the lead. Eyes will also be on what Trump does on the field. At the Club World Cup final held at the same stadium in New Jersey last year, the victorious English Chelsea players seemed 'a bit bewildered' after Trump remained on the podium during their celebration and dancing following the trophy presentation. Trump later claimed he was allowed to keep the trophy itself in the Oval Office, but FIFA clarified that the version displayed there was only a replica.