Trump to Attend Club World Cup Final at Metlife stadium

United States President Donald Trump is set to attend Sunday’s final of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, reaffirming his growing interest in global football — a sport where his “America First” mantra has yet to translate into dominance.

The high-profile clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea serves as both a symbolic and strategic moment for Trump. With the same stadium scheduled to host the 2026 World Cup final, his presence on Sunday is being viewed as a dress rehearsal of sorts, underscoring his administration’s commitment to leveraging major sporting events as showcases of American prestige.

Trump has long described events like the Club World Cup, the upcoming World Cup, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles as key pillars of what he brands the “Golden Age of America” during his second term.

His appearance also highlights his close ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has made several visits to the White House. In fact, the Club World Cup trophy has had a prominent spot in the Oval Office since Infantino’s visit in March.

While Trump’s embrace of soccer — or “football,” as the rest of the world knows it — might surprise some, it appears to have a personal side. FIFA chief Infantino revealed during a press event at FIFA’s recently opened office in Trump Tower that Trump’s teenage son Barron is an avid fan of the sport.

“When I visited the White House during Trump’s first term, there was a football goal in the garden,” Infantino recalled. “He told me his son loved football — and as any parent does, he came to love what his child loves.”

Trump himself reportedly played soccer briefly during his time at the New York Military Academy, further deepening his personal connection to the sport.

Despite soccer still trailing behind American football, basketball, and baseball in the U.S. sports hierarchy, Trump clearly recognizes the global appeal and political capital football brings. When the U.S. won hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup during his first term, Trump had expressed regret that he wouldn’t be in office by then — a notion he now sees reversed by his political comeback.

Meanwhile, the Club World Cup has exceeded expectations, drawing over 2.5 million fans to venues across the country and delivering several thrilling encounters. On Saturday, Infantino expressed gratitude to Trump for his backing, saying the president “immediately saw the importance” of both the Club World Cup and next year’s global tournament.

Infantino also made a light-hearted remark about Trump’s affection for the gleaming Club World Cup trophy, comparing it to the opulence of his revamped Oval Office.

However, Trump’s football enthusiasm hasn’t come without political overtones. During a White House visit by Juventus in June, he veered into controversy by criticizing transgender participation in sports before asking the Italian players, “Could a woman make your team, fellas?” Juventus executive Damien Comolli diplomatically responded by noting the strength of the club’s women’s side.

Additionally, concerns persist that Trump’s tough immigration policies could deter international fans from traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup. Vice President JD Vance, addressing this in May, said foreign visitors were welcome but added pointedly, “When the time is up, they will have to go home.”