The 2026 FIFA World Cup finals hadn’t even started when US President Donald Trump grabbed the spotlight, making a dramatic entrance to MetLife Stadium aboard the presidential helicopter, Marine One, before taking his seat alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the title clash between Argentina and Spain.Trump’s arrival marked his first appearance at a match during the tournament and underscored the political importance of a World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.Before kick-off, television cameras captured the US president holding the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy alongside Infantino ahead of the presentation ceremony he will perform after the final whistle.Trump had previously reflected on the impact of the tournament on soccer in the United States.“It turned out that we were a football country, and I think it will remain,” Trump said during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday. “That really brought the world together.”WATCH: Donald Trump’s dramatic arrival
Trump has already launched another US World Cup bid
Even before the start of the final, Trump was looking beyond the 2026 tournament, publicly demanding FIFA to award another World Cup to the United States.Speaking to Fox Sports, the president joked that FIFA should immediately announce another US hosting bid.“I had a great idea for Gianni: You have to do two countries. Announce it again next time, and then announce another country later. It will take some of the anger and shock,” Trump said.“Based on the numbers, we will request it again immediately.”Asked to predict the outcome of the Argentina-Spain final, Trump refused to pick a winner, but admitted it was difficult to bet against Argentina captain Lionel Messi.“I just think it’s very difficult to bet against Messi. He’s great,” he said.