US President Donald Trump will present the 18-carat gold World Cup trophy to the winner of this year's final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed on Tuesday (AEST). The trophy, weighing five kilograms and standing 36 centimetres high, will be handed over at the final in New Jersey on July 20, with Trump and Infantino sharing the stage.
Infantino Confirms Joint Presentation
Infantino told Fox in the US: "We will be together with the president enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course." When asked if he and Trump would make the presentation together, Infantino added: "Of course, we are together all the time."
This arrangement follows Trump's appearance at the Club World Cup final last July, where he inserted himself onto the stage with Chelsea players after their victory. Trump was widely mocked for hogging the podium as Chelsea celebrated, despite Infantino urging him to leave.
Awkward Stage Presence Expected
Trump's presence at sporting events often draws boos from crowds, and his behavior at the Club World Cup final has raised questions about how the World Cup trophy presentation will unfold. The ceremony now becomes a major focal point.
However, Trump's involvement is not unprecedented. Heads of state have long featured in World Cup trophy presentations. Queen Elizabeth II presented the trophy to England captain Bobby Moore in 1966. Argentina's dictator Jorge Videla handed it to Daniel Passerella in 1978. In 2018, Russian president Vladimir Putin stood under an umbrella as France captain Hugo Lloris received the trophy from Infantino in pouring rain. In 2022, the Emir of Qatar and Infantino jointly presented Lionel Messi with the prize.
The Trophy's History of Theft and Recovery
While the real trophy is presented on the day, the winning team receives a replica. The actual trophy is kept under guard at FIFA headquarters in Zurich. History explains why security is so tight.
The inaugural trophy, won by Uruguay at the first World Cup in 1930, depicted Nike, the Goddess of Victory, holding an octagonal vessel. Italy won it in 1934 and 1938. During World War II, Italian sports official Ottorino Barassi hid the trophy in a shoebox under his bed to keep it safe from Nazi clutches. In 1946, it was named the Jules Rimet Trophy after former FIFA President.
In 1966, months before England won the World Cup, the trophy was stolen during an exhibition tour. A mongrel dog named Pickles found it wrapped in newspaper in a hedge. Brazil won it for a third time in 1970, earning the right to keep it permanently. But in 1983, the Jules Rimet trophy was stolen again and never recovered; police believe it was likely melted down. The modern trophy, designed in 1974, features two players holding up the world.
This year's final will see Trump and Infantino present the trophy, continuing a tradition of political figures on football's biggest stage.
