US4 min(s) read
Published 11:28 16 Jun 2026 GMT
Donald Trump could be set to make headlines at this summer's World Cup Final, for all the wrong reasons.
The US President isn't one to do things by the book, and last year at the FIFA Club World Cup, he caused a stir at the trophy presentation.
Despite the 80-year-old's move to get onside with many soccer/football fans by suggesting the NFL change the name of football, he may undo all of his good work come July 19.
It has been reported by talkSPORT that FIFA have no objection to Trump breaking presentation protocol and giving the World Cup trophy to the winning nation's captain, remaining on stage for celebrations.
This is exactly what the President did when Chelsea won the 2025 Club World Cup, as he handed captain Reece James the trophy and stayed amidst the celebrations.
The 47th US President has been permitted to join the World Cup winners in their trophy lift, if he wants to.
FIFA has told Trump that they want him to hand over the most coveted prize in the sport of soccer, despite both Canadian and Mexican officials set to be present at the closing ceremony.
If Trump is to stay on stage, it may create a similar moment to last summer, as Chelsea star player Cole Palmer appeared perplexed as Trump stood in front of him during the presentation.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino originally tried to get Trump to leave the area, before changing his tune and letting him stay put.
According to FIFA protocol, the trophy should remain on a plinth and be carried by a member of the winning team onto the celebration podium.
But now, sources say that it is up to Trump if he wants to hand the trophy over or remain with other executives during the presentation.
White House sources think that he will once again celebrate with the victor, despite playing no part at all in their success.
Somali referee Omar Artan, widely regarded as one of Africa's best, was controversially refused entry to the US for the World Cup this month.
The White House has explained the decision, as Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House task force for the 2026 World Cup, said: "There have been some officials that have been denied, and for good reason."
Responding to the question, Giuliani added: "We're striking that balance between making sure that any bad actors that try to come into the country under the guise of the World Cup will not get access to the United States."
In a statement to Fox, Giuliani explained: "This individual was seeking admission to the United States. Upon further inspection by CBP, derogatory information, including association with suspected members of terror organizations, was discovered, making the traveler ineligible for admission to the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
He went on: “The traveler was refused admission and given immigration forms that provide the section of law used to complete an expedited removal under 8235 of the INA. President Trump's administration will not allow any security threat to enter our country - full stop.”
Somalia is currently one of the countries on the United States’ “banned list”, which prohibits travel to and from the East African nation due to concerns around safety and immigration.
While Trump didn't attend the USMNT's first game, a 4-1 victory over Paraguay, he is expected to attend the World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium on July 19.
