In a move that surprised many but was rich in political symbolism, U.S. President Donald Trump attended the final of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday. The match, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, served as more than just a footballing spectacle—it was a calculated display of soft power by Trump, who is positioning himself at the center of a global sports narrative leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Though the United States still trails behind other nations in football success, Trump’s appearance at the final was less about sporting achievement and more about using the world’s most popular sport to elevate his image both at home and abroad. His presence at the stadium was also a preview of what’s to come—the 2026 World Cup final will be held in the same venue, offering a dry run of sorts for what Trump considers a major legacy event of his second presidential term.

Football as Political Capital

Trump’s growing connection with football may come as a surprise in a country where soccer lags behind American football, basketball, and baseball in cultural importance. Yet, the sport’s increasing global reach and the attention it commands make it a powerful tool for any world leader with ambitions on the international stage.

For Trump, the 2025 Club World Cup and next year’s World Cup are more than just sports tournaments—they are key elements in what he dubs the “Golden Age of America.” Alongside the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, these major sporting events are intended to symbolize American excellence and global leadership under his administration.

His close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino further underscores this strategy. Infantino, a frequent guest at the White House, has become something of a sporting ally to Trump. During a visit in March, Infantino even gifted the Club World Cup trophy to Trump, which now reportedly sits on his Oval Office desk.

A Personal Touch to Football Affection

Trump’s connection to football isn’t solely political—it appears to be personal as well. His 19-year-old son, Barron Trump, is known to be a football enthusiast, and according to Infantino, the president has developed a fondness for the game through his son’s interest.

Speaking during a press conference at FIFA’s new office in Trump Tower on Saturday, Infantino recounted a conversation where Trump told him about a football goal installed in the White House garden during his first term, intended for Barron to practice. “When you are a parent, you love what your children love,” Infantino remarked. “So I think he loves it.”

Adding to that personal connection, reports suggest that Trump briefly played the sport during his time at the New York Military Academy, although his sporting pursuits later leaned toward baseball and golf.

World Cup 2026 and America First

Trump has not shied away from reminding the public that it was during his first term in office that the United States secured hosting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. When Infantino visited earlier this year, Trump joked that he had once been disappointed he wouldn’t be in office when the tournament began. But following his 2020 election loss and unexpected 2024 return, that worry has disappeared.

This second chance is now seen as an opportunity to place the U.S. firmly on the global football map—and for Trump to further solidify his brand as a world leader with broad appeal. With 2.5 million people attending the Club World Cup across multiple venues nationwide, the tournament has exceeded expectations and provided a promising lead-up to the much larger event in 2026.

Infantino acknowledged the significance of Trump’s support. “He embraced immediately the importance of the FIFA Club World Cup, and of course, of the World Cup next year,” Infantino said. He even joked about Trump’s affinity for the Club World Cup trophy, remarking that its golden curves matched the ornate aesthetic of the Trump-era Oval Office.

Controversy Never Far Away

Yet, as with many of Trump’s public engagements, controversy is never far behind. His embrace of football has not come without political messaging. During a June meeting with Italian club Juventus at the White House, Trump took the opportunity to launch into a speech on transgender athletes. He then turned to the team and asked, “Could a woman make your team, fellas?” The awkward moment was met with visible confusion from players before Juventus GM Damien Comolli diplomatically replied, “We have a very good women’s team.”

Trump chuckled, acknowledging the discomfort. “He’s being very diplomatic,” he said.

His hardline immigration stance has also cast a shadow over preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Critics have warned that strict border policies might deter international fans from traveling to the U.S. In May, Vice President JD Vance addressed those concerns bluntly, saying, “2026 World Cup fans are welcome to come… but when the time is up, they will have to go home.”

These comments have sparked debate within the football community, especially among human rights organizations and FIFA officials who advocate for the openness and inclusiveness of global tournaments.

FIFA’s Calculated Gamble

FIFA itself appears to be walking a fine line. Infantino’s rapport with Trump is strategic—he is well aware that having the U.S. government’s backing can help ensure the success of both the Club World Cup and next year’s showpiece. However, the sport’s governing body also faces pressure to remain apolitical and uphold football’s unifying ethos.

Still, the success of the 2025 Club World Cup, coupled with a well-orchestrated final attended by more than 81,000 fans—including Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and various dignitaries—signals that football’s future in America is looking brighter than ever.

The final itself was a spectacle, complete with the first-ever halftime show at a FIFA tournament, creating a Super Bowl-style atmosphere. The pageantry, attendance, and political overtones demonstrated that the Club World Cup was more than just a sporting event—it was a global stage, and Donald Trump stood right in the spotlight.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Trump is expected to continue leveraging football for political capital. Whether it’s through ceremonial appearances, White House visits with players, or policy declarations wrapped in sporting language, football has become an unexpected pillar of his second-term narrative.

With Trump already branding himself the “crypto president” and now seemingly aiming to be remembered as the “football president,” it’s clear that global sports are being woven into the fabric of his administration’s identity.

Whether this calculated political play pays off domestically and internationally remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Donald Trump sees football as more than just a game. For him, it’s a golden opportunity—both literally and figuratively—to showcase power, influence, and the American brand on the world stage.