On Sunday, July 13, 2025, President Donald Trump marked the somber one-year anniversary of a failed assassination attempt on his life while attending the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Joined by First Lady Melania Trump, family, friends, and close advisers, the president witnessed Chelsea’s commanding 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), a match that also served as a preview for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup that the United States will co-host with Canada and Mexico.
The atmosphere at MetLife Stadium was electric as Trump and Melania arrived just before the pre-match entertainment, which featured performances by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini. The president was met with a mixture of cheers and some boos when his image appeared on the stadium’s giant screen, but he waved and pumped his fist in response, maintaining a confident presence. Inside the president’s luxury box, he was accompanied by notable figures including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, NFL legend Tom Brady, and media mogul Rupert Murdoch. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and his wife, Leena Al Ashqar, were also present, underscoring the close relationship between Trump and soccer’s governing body.
The match itself was a showcase of Chelsea’s dominance, as the English Premier League club spoiled PSG’s quest for a fourth major title of the season. PSG had already secured Ligue 1 on April 5, 2025, followed by a Coupe de France victory against Reims on May 24, and then clinched the Champions League title by defeating Inter Milan on May 31. However, Chelsea raced to a 3-0 lead in the first half, with two goals from Cole Palmer and one from João Pedro, leaving PSG unable to mount a comeback.
The timing of the match was poignant, coinciding exactly with the anniversary of the assassination attempt Trump survived in Butler, Pennsylvania, while campaigning for president. In a taped Fox News interview with his daughter-in-law Lara Trump aired the previous night, the president briefly acknowledged the anniversary but chose to remain largely reserved on the topic. The U.S. Secret Service disclosed that six staffers received suspensions ranging from 10 to 42 days without pay over the incident, but Trump expressed unwavering confidence in the agency, stating, "I have great confidence in these people. I know the people and they’re very talented, very capable."
Beyond the sporting spectacle, the event provided a diplomatic backdrop for discussions between Trump’s aides and Qatari officials. Steve Witkoff, a Trump envoy, expressed optimism regarding ongoing Gaza ceasefire and hostage negotiations, confirming plans to meet with senior Qatari representatives who are mediating talks with Hamas. This underscored the multifaceted nature of the president’s appearance at the tournament, blending sports diplomacy with pressing international issues.
Looking ahead, the 2026 FIFA World Cup looms large, with preparations well underway. The tournament will be hosted across 16 stadiums spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. This edition will be the largest ever, featuring 48 teams competing in 104 games. The knockout stages, including the quarterfinals and beyond, will take place exclusively in the United States, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium—the very venue where Chelsea claimed the Club World Cup and where Trump celebrated the anniversary of his survival.
In March 2025, President Trump announced the formation of a dedicated task force to oversee the federal government’s security and logistical preparations for the World Cup. He will chair this task force, which aims to coordinate efforts to welcome millions of tourists and ensure a smooth, secure tournament. Cities across the U.S. slated to host matches include Arlington, Texas; Atlanta; East Rutherford, New Jersey; Foxborough, Massachusetts; Houston; Inglewood, California; Kansas City, Missouri; Miami Gardens, Florida; Philadelphia; Seattle; and San Jose, California. Canadian matches will be held in Toronto and Vancouver, while Mexico will host games in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Mexico City.
Despite the excitement, organizers acknowledge the challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical tensions and domestic policies. Trump’s administration has pursued a stringent immigration crackdown, raising concerns about potential impacts on fan attendance and international participation. However, athletes, coaches, staff, and their relatives have been exempted from the travel bans affecting citizens from 12 countries. Philadelphia host city executive Meg Kane commented on the situation, noting, "There are certainly things that are happening at the national level, the international level, there are going to be geopolitical issues that we don’t even know right now that are going affect the tournament next year, so we recognize that we’re planning within uncertainty." This cautious approach reflects the complexities of hosting a global sporting event amid an unpredictable political landscape.
President Trump’s affinity for sporting events has been a hallmark of his tenure in 2025. Prior to attending the FIFA Club World Cup final, he made appearances at major events including the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500 in Florida, UFC fights in Miami and Newark, New Jersey, and the NCAA wrestling championships in Philadelphia. His relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino is notably warm, with Infantino having been a guest at the presidential inauguration and maintaining close ties with the administration. FIFA even opened a new office in New York City in July 2025, signaling a deepening partnership ahead of the World Cup.
Trump has expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming tournament despite heightened tensions with neighboring countries over tariffs, immigration, and his controversial suggestion that Canada become the 51st U.S. state. He remarked, "Tension’s a good thing," suggesting that the political friction might add an extra layer of excitement to the event. With the eyes of the world soon to be on North America, the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a landmark occasion for the sport and the region alike.
As the Club World Cup final concluded and Chelsea lifted the trophy, President Trump’s presence at MetLife Stadium was a reminder of the intersection between sports, politics, and international diplomacy. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the extensive preparations and challenges ahead for the 2026 World Cup, a tournament that will captivate millions and showcase North America’s passion for the beautiful game.
