FIFA World Cup 2026: US President Trump to hand WC trophy to champions of Argentina-Spain final

Trump attended the ongoing World Cup final clash, where he was seen seated alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Addressing an official FIFA reception at Trump Tower ahead of the final clash, Trump, on Friday, described the tournament as one filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments.

"This (FIFA World Cup 2026) has been a tournament like no other, filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments," he said.

Trump also recalled calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to complain after US forward Folarin Balogun was shown a red card, before adding that everything ultimately worked out, with "no controversy."

"The most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman (US forward Folarin Balogun) a red card. I was forced to call FIFA President Gianni Infantino and just make a recommendation. I said, I'd like to wage a complaint. I had no idea what was going to happen. But, know, so much better the way it worked out because there's no controversy. They won the game and our team had all of its players. You made another great decision," Trump had said.

Notably, FIFA handed a one-match ban to Balogun after being shown a red card during his side's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, but interventions from US president Trump and a legal team of US Soccer saw the red card rescinded, with FIFA citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code to allow him to face Belgium in the last 16, where the co-hosts lost 4-1 and suffered the World Cup exit.

Following their respective semi-final victories, defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are facing off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.

Spain secured their place in the title clash with a 2-0 win over France, while Argentina produced a comeback to defeat England 2-1 after trailing 1-0, with a stoppage-time winner sealing their passage to the final. (ANI)