Trump sits with Infantino behind bullet-proof glass at final after demanding World Cup return to US ‘immediately’

DONALD Trump is calling for the World Cup to be hosted in the US again as soon as possible. The president sat behind bullet-proof glass next to First Lady Melania Trump and Fifa President Gianni Infantino at the final. Trump sat with the Fifa president in a box after demanding that the World Cup returns to the US Credit: Reuters The president is slated to hand out the trophy with Infantino Credit: Getty Trump is asking Infantino to stage another World Cup in the US “immediately.” “Based on the numbers we will be requesting it immediately,” Trump said in an interview with Fox Sports before the match. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! “We have to do this again, and we have to do this again while I am around, hear that Gianni?” Under Fifa rules, the US would not be eligible to host until 2038. Trump also predicted that Argentina would prevail over Spain in the final on Sunday. “It’s hard to bet against Messi,” he added. The Marine One helicopter carrying President Donald Trump, and an escort helicopter, fly over the stadium before the start of the World Cup championship final soccer match between Spain and Argentina, in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 19, 2026 Credit: PA Trump also gave his prediction for who will win the Argentina-Spain match Credit: x.com/@FOXSports The president is slated to hand out the World Cup trophy alongside Infantino at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The World Cup final is just the latest sporting event Trump has attended during his second term. Most read in Sport He also made an appearance at Game 3 of the Knicks-Spurs NBA final in June, the Super Bowl in New Orleans last year, and even hosted UFC fights on the White House lawn to commemorate America’s 250th birthday. Trump’s presence leads to tighter security and longer wait times at games. The press was told to arrive at 12:30pm, or “as early as possible” to allow “sufficient time for security screening” before the 3pm kickoff, the Athletic reported. Fans were told to arrive four hours before the start time, SunSport reported. Airport-style security measures were in place due to Trump’s arrival, leading to long lines to enter the stadium. Despite Trump’s request, the locations for the next two World Cups have already been decided. The 2030 tournament will take place in Portugal, Spain, and Morocco, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay to mark the competition’s centenary. The 2034 tournament will be held in Saudi Arabia. Under Fifa’s rules, a country belonging to a confederation that hosted the one of the previous two tournaments is not eligible to be a host, meaning that the US could bid on 2038 at the earliest. 1 comment1