Donald Trump may break World Cup final protocol to lift trophy

The upcoming 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New York, could witness an unprecedented event: former U.S. President Donald Trump potentially joining the victorious team on the podium and lifting the coveted trophy. This possibility has emerged despite the established protocol, which traditionally limits trophy-lifting privileges to the team captain.

According to reports from Ben Jacobs for Talksport, FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino, are contemplating allowing Trump to participate in this ceremonial aspect of the final. Trump has not yet been seen at any matches since the opening game, possibly due to his demanding international schedule. However, his potential presence and role in the final ceremony could mark a significant departure from FIFA's standard practices.

This potential deviation from protocol echoes a similar incident in 2025. During the Club World Cup final, which saw Chelsea defeat Paris Saint-Germain on U.S. soil, Trump's presence on the field reportedly caused discomfort among some Chelsea players. The prospect of him breaking tradition again raises questions about the "footballization of politics" and whether boundaries will be crossed during the World Cup final ceremony.