According to reports, FIFA has shown willingness to accommodate this change in ceremonial protocol after discussions with the Trump administration. Traditionally, the FIFA World Cup follows a strict presentation format in which the trophy is placed on a dedicated stand, and the winning team captain lifts it and carries it to celebrate with teammates. However, this established practice may now see a significant deviation at the upcoming final.
The final is scheduled to be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York. The tournament is being co-hosted by three nations, and representatives from Canada and Mexico are also expected to be present on the official stage during the final ceremony alongside FIFA officials.
A report by TalkSport states that FIFA has communicated its openness to allowing President Trump to personally hand over the trophy to the winning captain. Sources suggest that FIFA has already conveyed that it has no objection to such participation by the United States President, marking a rare departure from its long-standing ceremonial protocol.
The report further indicates that discussions between the Trump administration and FIFA have already taken place, with mutual agreement reportedly reached on the matter. FIFA is also said to have left the final decision regarding his exact ceremonial role to Trump himself, including whether he remains alongside the winning team during the trophy presentation or stands with officials during the ceremony.
This comes after a similar high-profile appearance by Trump during the FIFA Club World Cup final, where he remained on stage during Chelsea’s title celebrations. Chelsea captain Reece James lifted the trophy in his presence, while forward Cole Palmer appeared visibly confused by the President’s continued presence on the podium. FIFA President Gianni Infantino reportedly intervened at the time to guide the proceedings and indicate that the official stage segment had concluded.
If implemented, the new arrangement would represent a significant shift in FIFA’s ceremonial traditions, potentially redefining the role of heads of state in one of global sport’s most closely regulated and symbolic presentations.
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