Trump to Present World Cup Trophy, Despite Missing Matches

President Donald Trump hasn’t attended any World Cup games so far, but FIFA has announced that he’ll have a prominent role in the tournament. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Trump will help present the World Cup trophy after the finals, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Infantino stated on Fox & Friends, “We’ll be together with the president, enjoying the finals and handing over the trophy to the winner. Of course, we’ll be together.” This plan marks a shift from recent practices; previously, Infantino personally presented the trophy at the last two World Cups, with former FIFA president Sepp Blatter overseeing the ceremonies.

Interestingly, Trump’s involvement comes even though he hasn’t attended any matches in the tournament, which has been underway for nearly two weeks. The U.S. team has successfully reached the knockout stage, yet Trump hasn’t watched a game. Andrew Giuliani, director of the White House World Cup Task Force, mentioned that Trump is following the tournament from a distance.

Giuliani noted, “I talked to him a day or two after the U.S. beat Paraguay. He’s excited. He knows this is a really good team with a special opportunity.” He hinted that Trump might still make an appearance before the finals, adding that the president enjoys keeping people in suspense, saying, “He likes a good cliffhanger.”

Trump’s association with FIFA is becoming more significant. In December, Infantino awarded him the first FIFA Peace Prize during the World Cup final draw in Washington, DC. The upcoming trophy presentation follows Trump’s appearance at the Club World Cup final, where he made headlines after handing the trophy to Chelsea’s captain, Reece James.

As the July 19 date approaches, it’s uncertain if Trump will attend any matches before the finals, but FIFA is clear that he will be on stage with Infantino when the trophy is awarded to the next world champion.