United States President Donald Trump will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday, the White House has confirmed, adding another layer of global attention to football’s biggest event.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the president’s attendance during a press briefing on Thursday, saying Trump is looking forward to witnessing the championship match at the New York–New Jersey Stadium.
The final will feature defending champions Argentina against Spain after both teams secured impressive semi-final victories. Argentina, inspired by captain Lionel Messi, rallied from behind to defeat England 2-1, while Spain booked their place in the final with a 2-0 victory over France.
Leavitt described the tournament as the most watched, most secure and most successful FIFA World Cup ever hosted by the United States. However, she declined to reveal which team Trump would support, saying only that reporters should ask the president directly.
Ahead of Sunday’s final, Trump is also expected to attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City, where football officials, dignitaries and international guests will gather before the tournament’s climax.
Trump’s appearance is expected to increase worldwide interest in the final, which is already attracting enormous global attention. Millions of fans across Africa and around the world are expected to watch as Argentina pursue a fourth FIFA World Cup title while Spain aim to lift football’s most prestigious trophy once again.
With football, politics and international diplomacy converging on one stage, Sunday’s final promises to be one of the most closely watched sporting events of the year.
