In a surprising announcement ahead of the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup Final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump will attend the match.
“President Trump will be at the final. He loves soccer,” Infantino told reporters at a pre-match press conference in New York. “He has followed the tournament with great interest and is looking forward to seeing two of the world’s top clubs go head-to-head.”
The final, scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is expected to draw global attention, with Chelsea seeking to capture their second Club World Cup title and PSG aiming for their first.
Trump’s attendance marks a rare appearance at a major international soccer event by a former U.S. president and adds a political dimension to the sporting spectacle.
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Though Trump has not traditionally been associated with soccer fandom, insiders say his attendance is part of a broader effort to appeal to international audiences and engage with global events.
It is unclear whether he will deliver any remarks or meet with team representatives during the event.
Security is expected to be heightened for the final, given the presence of high-profile figures and the global significance of the match.