Donald Trump drew a mixed crowd reaction as he made a surprise appearance at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday — a high-profile event seen as a warm-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted in North America.
The match, held at MetLife Stadium, saw Chelsea FC crush Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) with a convincing 3–0 win. But it was Trump’s presence in a midfield VIP suite — standing and saluting — that turned heads and fueled political debate.
According to the Washington Post, the event marked an informal test run for the 2026 World Cup and raised concerns over Trump’s potential influence should he return to power. His history of anti-immigration rhetoric and border wall policies has triggered anxiety among global football stakeholders about whether his involvement could politicize or restrict fan access to the tournament.
Critics fear that stricter immigration rules and travel bans could tarnish the spirit of inclusivity that defines the World Cup, especially with teams and fans expected from over 100 countries.
Supporters at the stadium offered both cheers and boos, reflecting America’s deeply polarized political climate. Footage of the moment quickly went viral on social media, with debates erupting around the future of international sports diplomacy in the U.S.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is expected to be the largest in history, with 48 teams participating for the first time.
Trump has not commented publicly about the event, but his presence has reignited conversations about how politics could intersect with the global football stage next year.
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