Sports

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New York | July 17, 2026 : United States President Donald Trump will attend the FIFA World Cup 2026 final between Argentina and Spain on Sunday in New York, the White House confirmed on Thursday. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the President's schedule during a press briefing, stating that Trump is looking forward to witnessing the championship match of one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

According to Leavitt, President Trump will be present at the FIFA World Cup final as football fans across the globe turn their attention to the highly anticipated clash between defending world champions Argentina and European champions Spain. The final is expected to attract a massive global television audience while drawing thousands of spectators to the stadium in New York.

Trump's appearance at the World Cup final follows his attendance at last year's FIFA Club World Cup final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. On that occasion, the President was present during the trophy presentation ceremony and handed the championship trophy to Chelsea after the English Premier League club secured victory over the French champions.

The White House press conference, Karoline Leavitt said, "We are looking forward to Sunday's final match, and I know the President is excited to attend as well." She added that the tournament has been one of the most watched, most secure, and most successful FIFA World Cups in history, making the final a fitting conclusion to the month-long global football spectacle.

Leavitt also addressed questions from journalists regarding whether President Trump would be supporting either Argentina or Spain in the final. She said she was not aware if the President had chosen a favorite team and encouraged reporters to ask him directly. "I'm sure he'll give you an interesting answer," she remarked, suggesting that Trump himself would reveal his thoughts on the contest.

In addition to attending Sunday's World Cup final, the White House Press Secretary confirmed that President Trump is also scheduled to participate in a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday. The reception is expected to bring together FIFA officials, invited guests, and representatives associated with the World Cup ahead of the tournament's grand finale.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has attracted worldwide attention since its opening, with millions of fans following matches across the host nations. The final between Argentina and Spain is widely regarded as one of the tournament's biggest fixtures, featuring two of international football's strongest teams competing for the sport's most prestigious trophy.

President Trump's presence at the final is expected to add further international attention to the event, which has already drawn extensive global interest. Security arrangements are anticipated to be among the most comprehensive ever implemented for a sporting event in the United States, with authorities preparing for the arrival of world leaders, senior officials, football dignitaries, and thousands of international supporters.

The White House said the President's participation reflects the significance of the FIFA World Cup as a major global sporting event and underscores the importance of the tournament as it concludes with the championship match between Argentina and Spain in New York.