President Donald Trump is scheduled to present the World Cup trophy to the winner of Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain, framing the tournament as a success for the United States.
"It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain," Trump said Friday at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City. "This has really brought the world together."
The White House navigated numerous logistical challenges in co-hosting the event with Canada and Mexico. The administration had to balance its immigration policies, which at times barred entry to fans from certain World Cup qualifier countries, with warnings from human rights groups and backlash over high ticket prices. Trump had previously considered moving games from cities that did not comply with federal immigration authorities.
As the tournament began, the administration faced global scrutiny over visa decisions, including denying entry to a referee from Somalia. The pressure intensified after Trump's actions concerning Iran, which affected the Iranian team and its supporters' ability to access the U.S.
However, the narrative surrounding the World Cup shifted, with social media highlighting positive interactions between international fans and American culture. Fears about immigration enforcement raids near game venues did not materialize.
"One of the things that we talked about beforehand was, if we’re talking about what happened on the pitch, then we’ve done our job," said Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force. "But I think it’s even better than that. We’re not just talking about only the incredible, athletic feats on the pitch, but we’re talking about all these incredible, incredible cultural moments."
Giuliani stated the administration had a "duty" to question officiating calls, referencing a controversial red card issued to U.S. player Folarin Balogun. Trump had contacted FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review the call, which was subsequently reversed. Trump told Infantino at the reception that the reversal was "another great decision."
Giuliani also noted the administration's investment in federal funding to ensure the World Cup was a "safe and secure event" with "integrity." The successful hosting of the World Cup is seen as significant given the U.S. is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. The U.S. is also expected to host the 2031 Women's World Cup.
Sen. Andy Kim, D-N.J., acknowledged that while there were minor logistical issues, the overall "joy that people have, the excitement that they have, has dramatically outweighed" any downsides.
Despite geopolitical tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico, including Trump's imposition of tariffs, the leaders of both nations, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, plan to attend the final at Trump's request.
"I received an invitation from President Trump to attend the World Cup final on Sunday, and I decided to go because it’s a direct invitation from the President of the United States," Sheinbaum said. "Prime Minister Carney will also be there."
Trump, as is customary for heads of state hosting the tournament, will present the trophy. Both Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and Argentine President Javier Milei are expected to attend, though Milei will remain home, citing superstition.