Trump to Make History at Club World Cup Final

President Donald Trump will become the first sitting U.S. president to attend a FIFA Club World Cup final when he takes his seat at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, this Sunday.

The match caps off a week in which FIFA opened a new representative office in Trump Tower, complete with a display of the tournament trophy, underscoring the organisation’s push to deepen its U.S. presence ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

A Preview of 2026

With the United States set to co-host the expanded 48-team World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico next year, Sunday’s final serves as a dry run for what promises to be the largest soccer event in history.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has credited the Trump administration’s logistical and security support for making both the Club World Cup and the upcoming World Cup possible, highlighting a shared commitment to bringing major international sports events to American soil.

Security and Diplomacy in the Spotlight

Trump’s appearance also comes amid heightened scrutiny over his administration’s tough immigration policies.

Leaked proposals to tighten travel restrictions on dozens of countries have raised concerns about how welcoming the U.S. will be to international fans next summer.

Organisers say robust security plans are in place, but the president’s presence inevitably shines a political light on event logistics and border-control measures.

Leveraging Soft Power

For President Trump, the Club World Cup final presents an opportunity to showcase U.S. hospitality and talent for hosting world-class events.

By bracing a global soccer audience, many of whom have never seen a sitting U.S. leader at a major football match, he aims to project American soft power and draw tourism ahead of next year’s tournament.

What to Watch

Beyond the on-pitch drama, all eyes will be on the stands and the broader fan experience: How smoothly will international visitors navigate entry requirements?

Will the new FIFA office in New York become a lasting hub for the sport in America? And most intriguingly, how will a U.S. president’s fist-pumping and goal-celebrating translate to global audiences more accustomed to royal or presidential appearances at Wimbledon or the Ryder Cup?