Background on Donald Trump and His Involvement
Donald Trump, the former President of the United States, attended the FIFA Club World Cup final on December 19, 2021. As an honorary guest, he witnessed the Chelsea FC triumph over Paris Saint-Germain with a score of 3-0. His presence at the event, held at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, sparked a mix of boos and applause from the audience.
Trump’s Experience at the Event
Upon arrival with First Lady Melania Trump, the President was initially greeted with applause. However, as he appeared briefly on the big screen during the U.S. national anthem, audible boos could be heard. The camera quickly cut away from the scene. Trump continued to face jeers when posing for photographs with the referees.
Trump’s Role in the Event
Despite the mixed reception, Trump remained unfazed and proceeded to present awards. He handed the Best Player trophy, the Balón de Oro, to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and exchanged handshakes and medals with the defeated Paris Saint-Germain players.
Trump’s Relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Trump saw the Club World Cup final and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as symbols of an “Golden Era” during his second presidential term. He aimed to ensure the smooth development of the 2026 World Cup by establishing a working group in the White House.
Infantino, FIFA’s president, frequently visited the White House and maintained the Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office since his March 2017 meeting with Trump. Infantino also met with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 World Cup and expressed gratitude for Trump’s support.
During a press conference in New York’s FIFA headquarters, Infantino mentioned Trump’s son Barron, a 19-year-old soccer enthusiast. Infantino shared that Barron explained his passion for the sport to him, highlighting the bond between fathers and their children’s interests.
Concerns Regarding Trump’s Policies and Their Impact on Soccer Fans
Trump’s strict immigration policies raised concerns that soccer fans might be deterred from traveling to the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup. Under Infantino’s leadership, FIFA aims to cultivate a love for soccer in the U.S., the sport’s most popular global pastime.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who was present at the FIFA Club World Cup final? Donald Trump, former U.S. President, attended the event as an honorary guest.
- What was Trump’s role during the final? Trump presented awards, including the Balón de Oro to Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.
- How did the audience react to Trump’s presence? The reception was mixed, with both boos and applause heard throughout the event.
- What is Trump’s relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino? Trump and Infantino have maintained a close relationship, with frequent visits to the White House and shared interest in promoting soccer in the U.S.
- What concerns exist regarding Trump’s policies and the 2026 World Cup? Strict immigration policies may discourage soccer fans from attending the tournament in the U.S.
