The FIFA World Cup 2026 final had not even kicked off when United States President Donald Trump grabbed the spotlight, making a dramatic entrance at MetLife Stadium aboard the presidential helicopter, Marine One, before taking his seat alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the title clash between Argentina and Spain.
Trump's arrival marked his first appearance at a match during the tournament and underscored the political significance of a World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Before kick-off, television cameras captured the US President holding the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy alongside Infantino ahead of the presentation ceremony he is scheduled to conduct after the final whistle.
Trump had earlier reflected on the tournament's impact on football in the United States.
"It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it's going to remain," Trump had said during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday. "This has really brought the world together."
WATCH: Donald Trump's dramatic arrival
Trump already pitches another US World Cup bid
Even before the final began, Trump was looking beyond the 2026 tournament, publicly urging FIFA to award another World Cup to the United States.
Speaking to Fox Sports, the President joked that FIFA should announce another US hosting bid immediately.
"I had a great idea for Gianni: You have to do two countries. Announce us again next time, and then announce another country after that. It'll take out some of the anger and the shock," Trump said.
"Based on the numbers, we will be requesting it again immediately."
Asked to predict the outcome of the Argentina-Spain final, Trump declined to choose a winner but admitted it was difficult to bet against Argentina captain Lionel Messi.
"I just think it's very hard to bet against Messi. He's great," he said.
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