Although the President of the United States has not yet participated in the games, there has been some controversy surrounding the president and the tournament.
Donald Trump is scheduled to attend this weekend’s World Cup final. (Image: Alex Wong/Getty Images)
It has been confirmed that US President Donald Trump will attend the World Cup final. In a high-profile match in New York on Sunday night, Spain will take on Argentina for the title of world champion.
Mr. Trump played a major role in preparing for the conventions held in the United States, Canada and Mexico in the past few weeks. However, the president has not been seen at any games so far.
White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt confirmed the 80-year-old will appear in the final. It remains to be seen whether he will participate in the trophy presentation ceremony.
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Last month, it was reported that FIFA had no objection to him being on the stage where the winning team hoisted the trophy, despite it being against FIFA regulations. If he decides to take part in the presentation, it would be a repeat of the awkward situation at the Club World Cup.
President Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James, but decided to remain on stage as the Blues celebrated. “They said he was going to present the trophy and then get off the stage, and I thought he was going to get off the stage, but he wanted to stay,” James said after the trophy lifting.
Donald Trump was in the middle of Chelsea’s Club World Cup trophy lift. (Image: David Ramos/Getty Images)
Despite his absence, the US president caused headlines during the World Cup. President Trump contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding the red card given to US star man Folarin Balogun in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
It later emerged that the forward had been suspended and will be available for the Round of 16 match against Belgium. In that game, America lost 4-1.
Infantino, who presented President Trump with FIFA’s first Peace Prize during the World Cup draw in December, spoke earlier this week and acknowledged plans for President Trump’s involvement in the final.
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He told Blue Sports: “We hope that at the final we will present the trophy together. It was always the plan and has always been the case in the past for the president of the country hosting the final to present the trophy together with the FIFA president.”
Spain defeated France, the favorite to win the tournament, 2-0 and advanced to the final. Argentina achieved a come-from-behind victory over England 2-1 in the semi-finals.
Before the final, France and England will face off in the third place match. The game will be held at Miami Stadium on Saturday night (10:00 p.m. local time).
