During the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, the spotlight shifted from soccer to something far more symbolic. As fireworks lit up the Manhattan skyline, stars like as J Balvin, Tems, and Doja Cat put on a global-themed halftime show. Coldplay's Chris Martin capped off the night, organizing the show through Global Citizen.
Still, what stood out wasn’t just the music or the soccer. In the VIP box, former U.S. President Donald Trump sat beside FIFA President Gianni Infantino — and that visual said more than any performance.
Trump and Infantino Steal the Spotlight
Instagram | @gianni_infantino | FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump's growing VIP alliance is generating buzz.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sat next to Donald Trump in the VIP suite. Their growing alliance has sparked buzz, especially since FIFA opened an office in Trump Tower and Infantino accompanied Trump on a recent trip to the Middle East. Standing next to Eric Trump and Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo, Infantino publicly thanked the former president, calling him “a massive soccer fan.”
This wasn’t just a casual appearance. Trump was surrounded by familiar political allies (Pam Bondi, Sean Duffy, Kristi Noem), as well as public figures such as Rupert Murdoch, Melania Trump, and Tom Brady. The show of unity wasn’t subtle. It fit Trump’s pattern of tapping into sports as a stage to amplify his image.
A Calculated Sports Strategy
Over the past year, Trump has shown up at major sporting events. From the Super Bowl to the Daytona 500, his presence has been consistent. He’s even announced plans to host a UFC fight at the White House for America’s 250th anniversary celebration.
During a visit in June with Juventus FC, Trump questioned the players, "Could a woman make your team, fellas?" The moment felt awkward, yet it reinforced his brand of mixing bravado with sports culture. He leans heavily on the energy of these events to maintain cultural presence.
Following his legal troubles—including his conviction for falsifying records to hide a payment to Stormy Daniels—Trump quickly re-emerged at a UFC match. There, he stood next to UFC President Dana White and comedian Theo Von, clearly enjoying the warm welcome.
Public Response Remains Mixed
At MetLife Stadium, the crowd’s reaction to Trump appeared divided. When his image flashed during the anthem, some reports claimed he was cheered. Others said boos echoed throughout. Conservative media insisted on support, while critics pushed back. From the press box, the sound was too muffled to confirm either side.
Still, Trump’s stagecraft didn’t end there.
After Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain, Trump joined Infantino on the field. While the FIFA president stepped aside as the team celebrated, Trump stayed in the mix. He held the Club World Cup trophy and posed with the players. Some looked surprised, but no one pushed him away. That brief moment told a larger story about power, symbolism, and control of the spotlight.
Global Implications Ahead of 2026
Instagram | @whitehouse | The 2026 World Cup's perception might suffer globally due to FIFA's ties to Trump.
FIFA’s alignment with Trump could shape the perception of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. With the event shared across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, international fans may question the optics of the partnership. Trump’s immigration record and culture-war politics contrast sharply with FIFA’s image of inclusion.
While Infantino appears comfortable supporting Trump, not everyone shares that view. Soccer fans worldwide see the sport as a space that champions unity, not political dominance. If Trump remains publicly tied to FIFA’s biggest event, expect louder debates as the tournament draws near.
As politics, media, and sports continue to intersect, moments like this suggest a shift in what global events represent. With high-profile alliances and public symbolism growing louder, the world’s biggest sporting events may soon carry even more political weight than ever before.
