Trump Deepens FIFA Ties Ahead of Club World Cup Final in New Jersey | OneFootball

Trump’s Sporting Spotlight Grows with Club World Cup Final Appearance

Trump’s Sporting Agenda Gains Momentum

US President Donald Trump will attend Sunday’s FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, in a move that further cements his growing involvement in international sport. The announcement follows FIFA’s decision to open an office in Trump Tower, New York, strengthening its ties with the US government ahead of next year’s World Cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino hailed the backing received from Washington. “We have received such a big support from the government and from the president with the White House taskforce for the FIFA Club World Cup and for the FIFA World Cup next year,” Infantino said.

Photo: IMAGO

MetLife Takes Centre Stage

The United States is hosting the first expanded edition of the Club World Cup, with Chelsea set to face either Paris St-Germain or Real Madrid in the final. MetLife Stadium, the venue for the showdown, will also host the 2026 World Cup final, part of the joint bid with Canada and Mexico.

Trump, who attended the Super Bowl earlier this year, is chairing a taskforce he established to oversee preparations for both tournaments. His administration’s influence on global football’s biggest events is now being formalised through FIFA’s New York base, complementing its existing presence in Miami.

Controversy Over Travel Policies

While FIFA looks to globalise its operations, questions remain over Trump’s travel policies. Infantino has sought to reassure international fans, stating they will be welcomed in the US despite restrictions. “FIFA is a global organisation and to be global you have to be local, you have to be everywhere, so we have to be in New York,” he added.

Trump’s travel ban currently affects 12 countries, though reports suggest the list could expand to 36 additional countries. The policy casts a shadow over the inclusive spirit FIFA champions, but Trump’s focus on sport appears undeterred.

Future Plans and Sporting Ties

Trump has increased his visibility in sport during his second term. He became the first sitting US president to attend a Super Bowl, confirmed Washington DC will host the 2027 NFL Draft, and pledged that the White House will host a UFC event next year. His frequent attendance at UFC events, including last month’s in New Jersey, signals a calculated embrace of sporting platforms ahead of major international tournaments on American soil.