Donald Trump has been given the green light to join the FIFA World Cup trophy lift, potentially repeating his controversial moment with Chelsea's Reece James at last summer's Club World Cup
Samuel Meade
11:11, 15 Jun 2026
Donald Trump chose to involve himself in Chelsea's Club World Cup celebrations last summer
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Donald Trump chose to involve himself in Chelsea's Club World Cup celebrations last summer(Image: Carl Recine - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Donald Trump has received approval to participate in the World Cup trophy presentation - mirroring his controversial involvement at last summer's FIFA Club World Cup.
The USA, which is staging the majority of this summer's fixtures, also hosted the club edition 12 months ago, where Chelsea emerged victorious. When the president handed Reece James the trophy, he neglected to depart the stage, choosing instead to remain and continue as part of the celebrations.
FIFA has raised no opposition to him repeating that approach, reports talkSPORT, despite it go against established protocols. FIFA typically ask that the trophy should rest on a plinth before being transported by a member of the victorious squad onto the celebration platform.
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Sources suggest that FIFA will allow Trump to decide whether he wishes to remain with the side during the lift or withdraw and watched the proceedings. Those at the White House anticipate Trump will once more opt to celebrate alongside the victors.
The US president has already been informed FIFA would like him to present the World Cup trophy to the ultimate winners. Mexican and Canadian representatives will be invited to feature at the closing ceremony.
Trump's choice to stay with the Chelsea squad last year following their triumph over PSG resulted in several uncomfortable moments, numerous examples of which were documented on camera. Trump presented the trophy to James but, instead of departing as would be anticipated, lingered.
Donald Trump is ready to take centre stage again this summer
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Donald Trump is ready to take centre stage again this summer(Image: AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
The Blues captain, when previously asked about the incident, confessed he was taken aback. He said: "Answering your question, before, they told me that he was going to present the trophy and then exit the stage, and I thought that he was going to exit the stage, but he wanted to stay."
Cole Palmer, who netted twice in the final at the MetLife Stadium, commented afterwards: "I knew he was going to be here but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy. I was a bit confused, yes."
Trump did not attend the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles for the USA's opening World Cup fixture, which they won convincingly against Paraguay. His non-appearance was attributed to a "tight schedule", according to White House executive director Andrew Giuliani.
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