Trump adds soccer to growing list of sports outings as president at FIFA Club World Cup
Trump received boos and some cheers as he joined FIFA president Gianni Infantino on the pitch at MetLife Stadium, helping congratulate players and give some awards.
When the Chelsea players gathered to celebrate and raise the trophy, Trump remained among the players, one of whom admitted he was confused as to why Trump was still with them. Infantino eventually pulled Trump behind the players.
It was an especially spotlighted role for the president, who has made sporting events a somewhat regular outing since taking back the White House.
More: Chelsea put on show in Club World Cup final — only to have Trump steal their moment
What sports events has Trump attended as president?
Much of Trump's domestic travel has been for sporting events, Newsweek reported. Here are some other events he has attended:
Trump and FIFA president share growing friendship ahead of 2026 World Cup
The U.S., Canada and Mexico are hosting the 2026 World Cup. (The 2025 Club World Cup was a competition of professional clubs; the 2026 World Cup will be a competition of national teams.)
Infantino and Trump appear to be getting increasingly close. Infantino was part of the large group that accompanied Trump on his first foreign trip this term to the Middle East, and he visited the White House, Pro Soccer Wire reported. FIFA recently announced it will open a new office in Trump Tower in New York City.
Trump Tower has also housed other people involved with FIFA − an informant in the FIFA corruption scandal had two apartments: one for him and another for his cats, according to Pro Soccer Wire. Another person involved in the scandal spent his house arrest at Trump Tower, the outlet reported.
Trump teases UFC fight at White House for July 4, 2026
In addition to attending UFC fights as president, Trump has been close with UFC CEO Dana White.
Trump announced earlier this month that the White House will host a UFC event in 2026 in honor of America's 250th birthday.
Contributing: Safid Deen, USA TODAY
Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at kcrowley@gannett.com. Follow her on X and TikTok @kinseycrowley or Bluesky at @kinseycrowley.bsky.social.
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