Former U.S. President Donald Trump is set to attend the final of the FIFA Club World Cup this Sunday at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking another display of his growing interest in football — or soccer, as Americans call it.
The highly anticipated final, which sees Paris Saint-Germain face Chelsea, is viewed by many political observers as more than just a sporting event. For Trump, it represents a strategic opportunity to blend sport with soft power diplomacy, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup — set to be hosted by the United States — on the horizon.
Football as a Political Tool
Trump has openly embraced football during his political career, framing it as part of what he calls the “Golden Age of America” under his second term. His appearance at the Club World Cup final is widely seen as a trial run ahead of the World Cup final next year, which will also be held at MetLife Stadium.
Adding to the intrigue is Trump’s close friendship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has visited the White House multiple times. Earlier this year, Infantino gifted Trump a replica of the Club World Cup trophy, now displayed next to the former president’s desk.
Personal Connection: Barron Trump’s Love for Football
Trump’s connection to the sport is also deeply personal. His 19-year-old son, Barron Trump, is an avid football fan. Speaking at a press conference in New York on Saturday, Infantino noted:
“When you are a parent, you love what your children love, so I think that he [Trump] loves it too.”
Trump himself played football briefly during his time at the New York Military Academy.
Football’s Rising Popularity in the U.S.
While football still trails behind American football, basketball, and baseball in the U.S., its growing fanbase offers political capital that Trump appears eager to leverage. In 2018, during his first term, the U.S. secured hosting rights for the 2026 World Cup, a point Trump proudly highlighted during a recent appearance.
The newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup has exceeded expectations, attracting nearly 2.5 million fans across the country and delivering exciting matches. On Saturday, Infantino thanked Trump for recognizing the tournament’s significance and joked that the former president is especially fond of the trophy’s gold-plated design.
Controversy Never Far Away
In typical Trump fashion, his involvement with football hasn’t been without controversy. Hosting Italian club Juventus at the White House in June, Trump used the occasion to make remarks about transgender athletes before asking players if a woman could make their team — prompting an awkward response from Juventus general manager Damien Comolli, who reminded Trump of the club’s successful women’s team.
Further concerns have arisen over the impact of Trump’s strict “America First” immigration policies on future football events. In May, Vice President JD Vance warned that while fans were welcome to attend the 2026 World Cup, they would be expected to “go home” when their visas expire.
Despite the controversies, Trump’s upcoming appearance at the Club World Cup final underscores his commitment to using football as both a diplomatic tool and a stage for his broader political messaging.
