President Donald Trump arranged a high‑profile flyover at Sunday’s World Cup final, capitalizing on his administration’s role in securing the reinstatement of a suspended U.S. soccer player.
Just under an hour before Argentina and Spain took the field, Marine One hovered over MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
This marked the second time in fewer than six weeks that Trump tried to command attention at a major championship within the New York metropolitan area.
On June 8, former President Trump, a Queens native, attended the New York Knicks’ game at Madison Square Garden, where they lost to the San Antonio Spurs. Five days later, the Knicks captured their first championship in 53 years.
Trump’s appearance again triggered heightened security, traffic disruptions and closures around MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, drawing world leaders, celebrities and affluent fans.
Among the attendees were New York City Councilmember Zohran Mamdani, who had also been present for the Knicks’ Game 3 loss, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who sought to see his nation win the World Cup for the first time since 2010.
Spain, the European Union’s fourth‑largest economy, and Prime Minister Sánchez have repeatedly been criticized by Trump over military spending, immigration policies and U.S. military actions, including the conflict with Iran.
Argentina aims to become the first country to defend its World Cup title since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962.
FIFA awarded the United States, together with Canada and Mexico, the right to host matches during Trump’s first term in 2018. Los Angeles is slated to host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
Trump has portrayed these sporting events as evidence of an American sports renaissance.
Nevertheless, his influence over FIFA, soccer’s governing body, and its president, Gianni Infantino, has sparked several controversies.
A star player received a penalty for a foul during the United States’ victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trump’s overt pressure campaign succeeded, though it drew protests from Belgium, UEFA and numerous international fans. Belgium ultimately prevailed, defeating the United States by a 4‑1 margin.
During a FIFA reception at Trump Tower on Friday evening, Trump praised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for reinstating the player, noting that the outcome was moot since Belgium had already won the match.
“I said, ‘I’d like to lodge a complaint,’” Trump recounted of his conversation with Infantino. “I had no idea what would happen, but it turned out better because there was no controversy. They won the game, and our team had all of its players.”
Trump added at the reception that the World Cup was such a success that the United States should be granted another opportunity to host the tournament.
“This time, we’ll leave Mexico and Canada out,” he declared.
Adam Sella contributed reporting.
