In a move that merges sports, politics, and global diplomacy, former President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the FIFA Club World Cup final this Sunday at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In parallel, FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially inaugurated a FIFA representative office in Trump Tower, Manhattan, underscoring the significance of U.S. support as the world’s soccer governing body prepares for the 2026 World Cup.
Trump’s High-Profile Appearance at Club World Cup Final
Trump announced Monday during a Cabinet meeting that he will attend the final match—which is being positioned as a preview of next year’s 2026 World Cup—and praised the Trump administration’s involvement in securing high-profile sporting events for the U.S.
MetLife Stadium, which hosts NFL games for the Giants and Jets, will not only hold this final but is slated for at least eight matches, including the 2026 World Cup final . The tournament’s showcase matches include Premier League club Chelsea versus the winner of PSG vs. Real Madrid. Trump received invitations from both FIFA’s Infantino and New Jersey’s Governor Phil Murphy.
FIFA’s Trump Tower Office: A Strategic Tether to U.S. Power
On Monday evening, Infantino cut the ribbon on FIFA’s new office inside Trump Tower, hosting a trophy display of the Club World Cup and highlighting his partnership with Trump, including imagery featuring Infantino, soccer legend Ronaldo, and Eric Trump. Infantino emphasized that establishing a presence in New York City—alongside existing operations in Miami—is essential for FIFA’s global-local vision.
Eric Trump thanked FIFA for choosing Trump Tower, citing the building’s “honoured” reputation and cooperative connection with FIFA’s mission . The inauguration also served as a visible signal of FIFA’s closeness to Trump, prompting some criticism given Infantino’s public political engagements earlier this year.
Implications amid U.S. World Cup Preparations
FIFA’s deepening ties with Trump come as the United States gears up to co-host the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico. This expanded 48-team event will leverage U.S. infrastructure, including multiple New York-area venues.
Infantino credited the U.S. government and Trump’s “White House Task Force” for their instrumental support of both the Club World Cup and the upcoming global tournament.. With 168 nations participating and 2.26 million fans already attending the Club World Cup—including matches at MetLife—FIFA views the tournament as an invaluable operational test.
Criticisms and Political Overtones
Despite the pomp, FIFA’s political proximity to Trump has sparked controversy. Critics—particularly human rights organizations and segments of the soccer fraternity—have raised concerns over alignment with Trump’s immigration restrictions, potentially complicating the 2026 World Cup’s image of inclusivity .
Infantino’s prior appearances alongside Trump, including at the Oval Office and on a Middle East trip, drew sharp criticism at the FIFA Congress and accusations of politicization—some delegates even walked out in protest. Human Rights Watch has warned that Trump-era restrictions could undermine the hosting of a global event .
Looking Ahead
- Sunday, July 13: Trump attends the Club World Cup final at MetLife, with the trophy briefly on display at Trump Tower.
- 2026 World Cup build-up: FIFA leverages Trump Tower as part of its U.S. strategic hub, coordinating closely with the U.S. government.
- Public scrutiny: FIFA’s ties to Trump likely to remain a focal point amid greater global scrutiny and diplomatic sensitivities.
Conclusion
With Trump attending the Club World Cup final and FIFA planting a flag at Trump Tower, this moment signifies more than sport—it reflects the intertwining of international diplomacy, domestic politics, and global soccer strategy. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, FIFA’s alignment with the U.S. administration will continue to unfold under intense scrutiny. Fans, diplomats, and pundits alike will be watching to see if this relationship enhances the tournament experience—or agitates underlying tensions.
