FIFA confirms Trump’s trophy role
Fédération Internationale de Football Association President Gianni Infantino confirmed that President Donald Trump plans to join the World Cup trophy presentation. Both leaders expect to hand the prize to the champion after the July 19 final.
Match 104 is scheduled for 3 PM Eastern Time at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford. The presentation is planned after regulation, extra time, or penalties determine the tournament winner.
FIFA explains the host president tradition
Infantino described Trump’s participation as a host-nation practice rather than a special arrangement. He said that the president of the country hosting the final traditionally presents the trophy alongside the FIFA president after the deciding match.
The United States is staging the final, while Canada and Mexico also hosted tournament games. The ceremony plan, therefore, links Trump’s role to the location of March 104, not solely to his relationship with Infantino.
President Trump watches matches at home
President Trump had not attended a 2026 World Cup match through July 13. Infantino said Trump watched every game on television and reported daily communication with him, as well as regular contact with the United States government.
Infantino rejected security concerns as the stated reason for Trump’s absence. He said the president had other responsibilities during the competition, which runs for 39 days across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.
FIFA schedules final for July 19
FIFA scheduled the World Cup final for July 19 at New York-New Jersey Stadium. Match 104 is set for 3 PM Eastern Time, closing the competition that opened in Mexico City on June 11.
The tournament features 48 national teams and 104 matches across 16 host cities in three countries. This is the first men’s World Cup using the expanded field and the largest match program in competition history.
FIFA sets final four path
France, Spain, England, and Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup semifinals. Spain defeated France 2-0 in Arlington on July 14, while England and Argentina were scheduled to meet in Atlanta on July 15.
Spain advanced to the July 19 final in New Jersey for Match 104. France moved to the third-place contest in Miami on July 18, where it will face the loser of England against Argentina.
President Trump joined the 2025 ceremony
President Trump joined the 2025 Club World Cup ceremony at MetLife Stadium after Chelsea defeated PSG 3-0. He presented runner-up medals and helped deliver the championship trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James.
Trump remained onstage as Chelsea players raised the prize. Infantino pointed toward the exit area, but the president stayed near the team while its members celebrated their victory around both leaders.
White House task force coordinates plans
President Trump created the White House FIFA World Cup 2026 Task Force to coordinate federal planning. Its work covers security, transportation, visa processing, tourism, and cooperation with the 11 United States cities hosting matches.
The federal group supports tournament operations across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. FIFA also linked the competition with America’s 250th anniversary, including July 4 ceremonies before matches in Houston and Philadelphia.
MetLife Stadium prepares for final
MetLife Stadium is branded by FIFA as New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament. FIFA lists the East Rutherford venue with a tournament capacity of 80,663 and selected it to host 8 matches, including the July 19 final.
The stadium hosted 7 scheduled tournament matches before the final. The July 19 championship contest is the venue’s 8th World Cup match, while its regular MetLife Stadium name continues to be used outside FIFA-branded tournament use.
NJ Transit sets final service
NJ Transit lists direct Meadowlands Rail Line service from Secaucus Junction to New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19. The first scheduled train leaves at 11 AM, 4 hours before the final begins.
Travelers from New York Penn Station can reach Secaucus on trains marked SEC before transferring. Post-match service is planned on a load-and-go basis, with departures continuing as capacity becomes available after the event.
FIFA details the World Cup trophy
The FIFA World Cup Trophy stands 36.8 centimeters tall and weighs 6.175 kilograms. Its body is made of 18-carat solid gold, while the 13-centimeter base features two bands of green malachite.
The design has represented the men’s champion since 1974. FIFA keeps the original after each celebration, while the winning association receives a brass edition plated with gold, marked with the year and host country.
FIFA sets $50 million champion award
FIFA set aside $50 million for the 2026 champion and $33 million for the runner-up. The governing body approved $655 million in performance payments, a 50% increase from the distribution used at the 2022 tournament.
Each participating association received $1.5 million for preparation, raising the minimum total payment to $10.5 million. The champion receives the largest award, while every qualified team earns funding based on its finishing position.
FIFA adds first final halftime show
FIFA scheduled the first World Cup final halftime show for July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. Justin Bieber joins Madonna, Shakira, and BTS as co-headliners, with Burna Boy, Gustavo Dudamel, and PS 22 Chorus featuring Coldplay also set to appear in the 11-minute broadcast.
The program supports the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which had raised more than $50 million by July 9. FIFA says $1 from every World Cup 2026 ticket sale is being donated to the fund to support social projects around the world.
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FIFA House opens near Bryant Park
FIFA House is scheduled to operate near Bryant Park in Manhattan from July 16 through July 19. The limited-capacity, invitation-only venue serves guests and lists daily FIFA World Cup Trophy appearances from 8 PM until 10 PM.
The 4-day program includes FIFA Legends, business discussions, museum exhibits, live music, and a final watch event. Organizers designed the venue as a gathering place for partners, executives, cultural figures, and invited guests.
Kylian Mbappé’s reaction after the Morocco controversy raised questions about whether he was addressing Lionel Messi, FIFA, or both. Dive into the full story behind the message.
Should host-country presidents join FIFA leaders during the World Cup trophy ceremony, or should the moment belong only to players and coaches? Like this post and share your thoughts in the comments below!
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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