Full Breakdown
Trump Family at World Cup Final Highlights Push for U.S. Hosting
7/20/2026, 12:20:42 PM
Event Overview
On Sunday, the first family attended the Argentina-Spain World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. President Donald Trump sat beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, while First Lady Melania Trump wore a red, white and blue-collared jacket. Their son Barron, in a suit with a red tie, was seen chatting with Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Spain’s King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez were also in the private suite. Former New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, a key figure in the United States’ successful bid for the tournament, sat nearby.
Key Figures & Interactions
Donald Trump expressed enthusiasm for the event, waving repeatedly from behind bullet-proof glass. Barron reportedly told his father he could “outrun any of the players” in the semifinals. Melania’s father, Viktor Knavs, attended as a guest. Argentine President Javier Milei declined an invitation to the stadium, remaining at his residence for superstitious reasons.
Official Statements & Responses
In a pre-match interview with Fox Sport, President Trump said the United States should host the World Cup “immediately,” adding, “Based on the numbers we will be requesting it immediately.” He urged FIFA to act while he remains in office, addressing Infantino directly. Under current FIFA rules, the United States is ineligible to host again until at least 2038, as the next two tournaments are already assigned (2030 in Portugal, Spain and Morocco; 2034 in Saudi Arabia).
Verbatim Quotes
- “Based on the numbers we will be requesting it immediately,” — Donald Trump, Fox Sport interview
- “We have to do this again, and we have to do this again while I am around, hear that Gianni?” — Donald Trump, Fox Sport interview
- “He said, ‘Dad, I’m a very good ball handler,’” — Donald Trump, recounting Barron’s comment
- “He didn’t want to answer that question.” — Donald Trump, recounting his follow-up with Barron
What’s Next
The 2030 World Cup will be staged across Portugal, Spain and Morocco, with opening matches in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay. The 2034 edition is slated for Saudi Arabia. The United States could submit a bid for the 2038 tournament, the earliest opportunity permitted by FIFA regulations.
