United States President Donald Trump has confirmed he will attend the FIFA Club World Cup final this Sunday, a move that has instantly turned the already high-profile match into a major political spectacle.
The final, which will be held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, promises to draw global attention not only for the football on display but also for the unusual presence of an American president in the stands for a club football showdown.
Trump’s announcement came just a day after FIFA opened a new office in Trump Tower, New York, a decision that has sparked a fresh wave of conversation about the organization’s growing footprint in the United States ahead of the men’s World Cup next summer.
According to statements from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the new Manhattan office signals FIFA’s ambition to strengthen its ties with U.S. stakeholders as preparations ramp up for the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
The choice of Trump Tower as a base has raised eyebrows, with critics and supporters alike debating whether the move signals closer ties between FIFA’s leadership and the Donald Trump administration as the global body aims to cement its influence in North America.
The attendance of Donald Trump is expected to draw a massive security operation around MetLife Stadium, adding an extra layer of spectacle to a match already set to feature some of the biggest names in club football. For Donald Trump, the event provides an opportunity to underline his administration’s role in backing the upcoming World Cup and to remind voters of his longstanding interest in staging major international events on American soil.
Meanwhile, FIFA will be keen to use the moment to demonstrate its commitment to expanding soccer’s reach in the United States and to ensure next year’s tournament is a commercial and cultural success.
With fans from around the world descending on New Jersey this weekend, the final now promises more than just goals and silverware , it is also a glimpse of the political theatre and global fanfare that the U.S. can expect when the World Cup arrives next year.
