FIFA chief says Trump will hand over 2026 World Cup trophy to winning captain

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said U.S. President Donald Trump will present the trophy to the captain of the team that wins the 2026 World Cup final, scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Speaking to PA Media, Infantino said he would be on the pitch with Trump for the final and would hand the trophy to the champion. "We'll definitely go up on stage together, because we're together all the time," the Swiss-born FIFA president said. Infantino noted that Trump also presented the trophy at last year's FIFA Club World Cup final in the United States, which Chelsea won. The moment drew attention because Trump remained on the podium after the ceremony. Chelsea captain Reece James said after that match that the team had been told Trump would leave the stage after presenting the trophy, but that the president chose to stay. James said Trump congratulated him and told the team to enjoy the moment. The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with the final set for MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.