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President Donald Trump attends World Cup final in New Jersey
President Donald Trump attends World Cup final in New Jersey
Editor's note: Follow for live updates on Argentina-Spain World Cup final
U.S. President Donald Trump was in attendance at the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, making his first appearance at the 2026 tournament for its final match.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementArgentina faces Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, with a number of celebrities and dignitaries in the building.
Ahead of kickoff, Trump was seen with First Lady Melania Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Spain's Football Federation President Rafael Louzán.
The World Cup final brings together two of soccer’s biggest stars as Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal chase the sport’s biggest prize.See the must‑see photos from the championship match as the tournament reaches its conclusion.Above, Argentina's Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.
(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)Spain's forward Lamine Yamal warms up ahead of the 2026 World Cup football tournament final match between Spain and Argentina at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026.
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)General view of the tattoo of Argentina's Lionel Messi during the warm up before the match.
(Hannah McKay, REUTERS)Spain's Lamine Yamal and Dani Olmo during the warm up before the match.
(Dylan Martinez, REUTERS)Argentina's Emiliano Martinez during the warm up before the match.
(VINCENT CARCHIETTA, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Must-see World Cup final photos show Messi, Yamal pursue championship
Is there extra security at the game?
Yes, there was an increased security presence at the game as the U.S. Secret Service took over the operation.
The final was designated as a National Special Security Event (NSSE) by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), meaning the event is a potential target for terrorism or other criminal activity.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWith the highest level of security in place, fans and media alike reported long lines outside MetLife Stadium.
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What other presidents have attended a World Cup final?
It is customary for heads of state to attend World Cup finals. Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, was present in 2022 and Russian President Vladimir Putin attended the 2018 final.
Trump is the first U.S. president to attend a men's World Cup final. In 1994, President Bill Clinton didn't attend the final, with Vice President Al Gore in attendance instead as Brazil beat Italy at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementClinton did attend the 1999 Women's World Cup final at the Rose Bowl, with the U.S. defeating China to win its second World Cup title.
Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino look on after presenting the trophy.
(Carl Recine, Getty Images)Trump shakes hands with Lionel Messi after the game.
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)Spain captain Rodri lifts the World Cup trophy while Trump and Infantino look on.
(ODD ANDERSEN, AFP via Getty Images)FIFA president Gianni Infantino shows the winners' medal to Trump.
(Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)Spain celebrates with the World Cup trophy as Trump and Infantino look on
(Justin Setterfield, Getty Images)Spain captain Rodri lifts the World Cup trophy while Trump and Infantino look on.
(David Ramos, Getty Images)Infantino and Trump hand the World Cup trophy to Spain.
(Carl Recine, Getty Images)Infantino and Trump carry the World Cup trophy to present to spain.
(Carl Recine, Getty Images)Infantino and Trump carry the World Cup trophy to present to spain.
(Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)Infantino and Trump before the trophy presentation.
(Lee Smith, REUTERS)Trump gives Lionel Messi his runner-up medal.
(Kai Pfaffenbach, REUTERS)Trump shakes hands with Lionel Messi after the game.
(Dylan Martinez, REUTERS)Trump gives Lionel Messi his runner-up medal.
(Lee Smith, REUTERS)Spain players celebrate with the trophy while Infantino tries to get Trump off the stage.
(James Lang, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Trump presents Lamine Yamal with a World Cup winner's medal.
(James Lang, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Infantino and Trump congratulate Spain players.
(James Lang, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)See Trump give World Cup awards to Spain and Argentina stars
Infantino and Trump congratulate Spain players.
(James Lang, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)Will Trump present the World Cup trophy?
Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino will both be present to award the trophy to the winners.
"We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course, together," Infantino said during an interview on Fox and Friends.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: President Donald Trump attends World Cup final in New Jersey