White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s attendance was a “fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.”
President Donald Trump attended the FIFA World Cup Final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, joining Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The three leaders of the host nations were seated near each other in box seating. Also seated near Trump was First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with whom Trump was seen speaking before kickoff.
During the match, Trump was shown the FIFA World Cup trophy. He and Infantino are expected to jointly present the trophy to the winning team following the conclusion of the final, which is being played between Spain and Argentina.
Prior to the game, Trump told Fox Sports that the World Cup tournament has been “beautiful” and that tourists coming to America for the matches have seen “what a great country this is.”
Trump’s appearance is the latest in a series of high-profile sporting events he has attended either as president or as a presidential candidate. He has also attended the Super Bowl, an NBA Finals game, and multiple UFC events.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s attendance was a “fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.” Trump expressed interest in the United States hosting a future FIFA World Cup on its own, rather than jointly with Canada and Mexico as it did for this year’s tournament.
Ahead of the final, activist groups reportedly distributed red cards to fans and encouraged them to hold them in protest of both Trump and Infantino when they present the trophy to the tournament champions.