United States President Donald Trump confirmed his plans to attend the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The confirmation came shortly after FIFA, the global governing body for football, announced the opening of a new office inside Trump Tower in New York.
Trump’s attendance signals the growing synergy between his administration and international sports bodies as the United States gears up to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which the U.S. is hosting for the first time, represents a milestone in FIFA’s push to globalize football through major U.S. partnerships and increased American fan engagement.
A Strengthened FIFA–US Partnership
FIFA President Gianni Infantino highlighted the deepening ties between the organization and the U.S. government. He praised Trump and his administration for offering strong support in the lead-up to both the Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup.
“We have received such big support from the government and from the president with the White House taskforce for the FIFA Club World Cup and for the FIFA World Cup next year,” Infantino said during a media briefing.
Trump set up a dedicated taskforce earlier this year to oversee preparations for both tournaments. As chair of the taskforce, he supervises infrastructure, security, diplomatic coordination, and event promotion. FIFA’s decision to open an office in Trump Tower reflects the organization’s intention to embed itself more firmly in the heart of U.S. administration and business operations.
FIFA already operates an office in Miami, but officials believe the New York location will help them collaborate more effectively with federal agencies and secure private-sector partnerships. Infantino emphasized FIFA’s strategy of localizing its global operations by stating, “To be global, you have to be local. We have to be in New York.”
Club World Cup Final Set for Spectacle
The Club World Cup final on Sunday promises a football spectacle. Chelsea has already secured a spot in the final and will face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain, depending on the outcome of the second semifinal. The final will take place at MetLife Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The same stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final, which adds symbolic significance to Sunday’s showdown.
Trump plans to watch the match from a private suite alongside sports executives, FIFA officials, and members of his taskforce. He also attended the Super Bowl in February, where he interacted with NFL leaders and used the event to promote the country’s readiness to host mega sporting events.
Trump’s Role in Sports Grows in Second Term
Trump has increased his visibility in sports during his second presidential term. He became the first sitting U.S. president to attend the Super Bowl earlier this year. In May, he announced that Washington, D.C. will host the 2027 NFL Draft, further aligning his administration with the country’s most-watched sports league.
The president has also embraced combat sports. He attended multiple UFC events this year, including last month’s major fight night in New Jersey. Trump has already confirmed that the White House will host a UFC event in 2026, as part of his broader sports diplomacy strategy.
Political analysts see this sports-focused approach as a way for Trump to appeal to younger voters, sports enthusiasts, and working-class Americans. His administration uses these events to showcase domestic security, economic development, and America’s leadership in international events.
Immigration Tensions Linger
Despite Trump’s support for international sporting events, his administration continues to implement strict immigration policies. Infantino acknowledged concerns surrounding the travel restrictions and visa bans, but reassured fans that the U.S. will welcome international visitors during both the Club World Cup and the World Cup.
“Everyone will feel welcome in the United States,” Infantino said. “We have been assured full support from the White House and the federal authorities. Everyone will get the chance to come and enjoy football.”
Currently, the U.S. enforces a travel ban on 12 countries, most of which are Muslim-majority nations. Trump is reportedly reviewing an executive order to expand the list to include travelers from up to 36 countries. The potential expansion has raised concerns within human rights organizations and among some fans and players.
Still, FIFA officials remain optimistic that the administration will streamline visa processes for tournament personnel and supporters. The White House taskforce has already coordinated with Homeland Security, Customs and Border Protection, and the State Department to develop special visa categories for both tournaments.
MetLife Stadium Takes Center Stage
MetLife Stadium will not only host Sunday’s final but also stand as the centerpiece venue for next year’s World Cup final. The stadium, which holds over 82,000 spectators, already hosted numerous NFL games, concerts, and international friendlies. Now, it enters the spotlight of world football.
Trump plans to use his appearance at MetLife to review logistical preparations and meet with state and local officials involved in hosting duties. He will also hold private discussions with corporate sponsors, FIFA delegates, and key leaders from U.S. Soccer.
His administration has invested heavily in infrastructure improvements around tournament venues. Transportation, security, and hospitality upgrades form part of a broader national strategy to establish the U.S. as a long-term host for elite sporting competitions.
Trump Tower Becomes FIFA’s U.S. Base
FIFA’s decision to move into Trump Tower underscores the personal relationship between Trump and Infantino. The two leaders met several times in recent years and regularly speak about tournament planning, sponsorship deals, and global sports development. With Trump Tower providing central access to Midtown Manhattan, FIFA now operates from a high-profile location just minutes away from Wall Street and major media outlets.
Critics have questioned the optics of FIFA establishing an office in a building owned by the sitting U.S. president. However, both parties dismissed concerns about conflict of interest. Infantino said the choice came down to location, security, and operational capacity. Trump’s office maintains that the lease agreement follows all federal guidelines and ethical procedures.
Looking Ahead
As the U.S. prepares to host two major FIFA events, Donald Trump positions himself as a key player in the global sports arena. His presence at the Club World Cup final will not only highlight the country’s hosting capabilities but also mark another step in his growing association with world football.
For football fans, Sunday’s final offers a glimpse of what’s to come. Chelsea, Real Madrid, and PSG bring star-studded lineups and international flair. Trump brings political attention and government backing. Together, they set the stage for a new era of sports and diplomacy.
With Trump in the stands, FIFA in Trump Tower, and MetLife ready to shine, the U.S. will showcase its strength as a host nation. The world will watch—not just for the match, but for the message that football and politics now march closer than ever.
