Trump set to help present World Cup trophy at final

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said United States President Donald Trump will take part in the World Cup trophy presentation after the final. The plan would put Trump on the presentation stage at one of the tournament’s most visible moments, even though he has not attended a match at this year’s World Cup, Reuters reported.

Infantino confirmed the arrangement during an interview with Fox News on Tuesday morning. He said he and Trump would attend the final together and take part when the winner receives the trophy.

“We will be together with the president, enjoying the final, and handing the trophy to the winner – of course, together,” Infantino said, according to Reuters.

The final is scheduled for July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Asked to confirm that he and Trump would jointly present the trophy at the match, Infantino replied: “Of course. We are together all the time.”

The announcement follows Trump’s appearance at the Club World Cup final last year, also held in East Rutherford. Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in that match, and Trump joined Infantino for the post-match ceremony.

Reuters reported that Trump stayed on the stage as Chelsea players lifted the trophy. The trophy was later seen in the Oval Office, while Chelsea reportedly received a replica version.

Infantino has kept a high public profile around the tournament. The Athletic, citing FIFA sources, reported that he has sought to attend as many games as possible, reaching as many as two matches in a day so far.

Trump’s expected role at the final adds another political element to a World Cup hosted in North America. Infantino’s comments gave no further details about the ceremony beyond Trump’s planned presence alongside him for the presentation to the winning team.

This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.