In a dramatic display of global camaraderie, former President Donald Trump arrived at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday to witness the nail-biting World Cup Final match between Spain and Argentina.
Accompanied by a tight-knit entourage of family and advisors, including First Lady Melania Trump, he was seen enjoying the game from a VIP box alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Noteworthy figures weren’t in short supply at the event, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also gracing the grand occasion. The trio of nations, including the United States, served as co-hosts for this prestigious tournament. Adding to the diplomatic affair, the Prime Minister of Spain was expected to join the audience for the much-anticipated showdown.
Sharing his insights on the anticipated results, Trump expressed his admiration for Argentina’s stalwart captain, Lionel Messi, in an earlier conversation with Fox News’ Jenny Taft on the FIFA Red Carpet. “It’s hard to bet against Messi,” he said, nodding to the 39-year-old soccer icon.
Trump elaborated, reflecting on a highlight moment: “I would say that it’s hard to bet against Messi. I watched that pass – I guess you’d call it a pass. It was exactly perfect. Although it takes some talent to hit the ball off the head coming at that speed, but that was perfect. If you had a strike zone, it was exactly where it had to be,” he enthused, highlighting Messi’s precision and skill.
‘And I watched also, just before that, the way he got away from the defender. He was very well defended. All of a sudden, he’s standing by himself, and he kicked it perfectly. And it’s hard to bet against him. I think it’s very hard to bet against Messi. He’s great,’ Trump added.
Trump also told Fox Sports that he has a close friendship with Argentina’s president, Javier Milei.
Marine One, the presidential helicopter, flew over the stadium shortly before kickoff.
US President Donald Trump, US First Lady Melania Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stand before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final between Spain and Argentina
President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, applaud before the final
US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino seen together before the match
Fox News also reported that President Donald Trump is expected to present the World Cup Trophy.
President Trump’s son Eric Trump, his wife Lara, and their children were snapped taking in the game.
Marine One, carrying US President Donald Trump, is seen arriving for the 2026 World Cup final
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and US First Lady Melania Trump attend the 2026 World Cup football final in East Rutherford, New Jersey
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (2L), Eric Trump (2R) and Lara Trump (R) attend the July 19 final
Trump salutes next to First Lady Melania, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney during the US national anthem
General view of Marine One helicopters carrying US President Donald Trump over the stadium before the World Cup Final match
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney greets Donald Trump before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026
Ivanka and Tiffany pose ahead of the FIFA World Cup in a photo shared by Ivanka on Instagram
Ivanka Trump shared a photo of her father, President Donald Trump, flying over the stadium ahead of his attendance at the World Cup.
Eric’s sisters Tiffany and Ivanka attended as well, as did his brother-in-law, Tiffany’s husband Michael Boulos.
A number of members of Trump’s Cabinet, including Markwayne Mullin, Marco Rubio, Sean Duffy, and Howard Lutick, were also spotted in the president’s box.
Trump is not the first president to attend a World Cup Final match. In 1999, former Democratic President Bill Clinton attended the Women’s World Cup final in Pasadena, California, to watch the US team win the title. He also attended the 1994 opening ceremony of the Men’s World Cup.
US Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice-President Alejandro Dominguez speak before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York-New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick attends the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy looks on during the US national anthem ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina, in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA on July 19, 2026
In 2014, Joe Biden attended a Men’s World Cup match while he was Vice President.
As the build-up to the game, expected to be watched by billions around the world, ramped up, fans waited over four hours for their tickets to be scanned to enter the stadium for the showpiece game.
The attendance of several world leaders meant that airport-style security measures were also being enforced for everyone entering the venue.