President Trump has made a lot of waves during the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup.
The President of the United States first asked FIFA to review Folarin Balogun's controversial red card ahead of the USMNT's Round of 16 bout vs. Belgium. FIFA ultimately suspended Balogun's red card, allowing him to play. President Trump was accused of using his political influence to impact the World Cup.
"All I did was ask for a review. I didn't say, you have to do this," Trump said of his decision. "This man is a smart, tough man, Gianni Infantino. He's a smart, tough man, and his stock has gone through the roof because the job he has done has been great. I feel like we have to have all the best players on the field."
Ultimately, the U.S. fell to Belgium, 4-1.
© Danny Wild-Imagn Images
President Trump isn't done making an impact on the World Cup, though. On Sunday, he's expected to be on stage in New Jersey, when the World Cup trophy is awarded to Spain, England or Argentina.
CNN believes this is controversial.
"No matter who is in the final World Cup match, there could be some awkwardness in New Jersey on July 19 when US President Donald Trump presents the trophy," they wrote.
"Trump has made war on one country in the tournament and verbal war on many others. He has insulted the people or its leaders of multiple others. He's tried to influence elections in South America, imposed tariffs on economies everywhere, and broken old bonds as he's tried to remake the world order with an America First foreign policy."
However, FIFA is standing by the decision.
FIFA defends President Trump's World Cup behavior
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is defending President Trump's behavior and his decision to be involved in the trophy ceremony.
“We’re in touch regularly,” Infantino told blue Sport. “Almost every day—he’s happy and really enjoys the tournament. He watches all the games on TV.”
President Trump is expected to be in attendance at the final on Sunday.
“Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final,” he confirmed. “That’s always been the plan—and that’s how it’s always been done in the past—for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president.”
The final is set for 3 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.
