Key facts
- President Donald Trump will present the World Cup trophy to the winner of the final match.
- Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum accepted Trump's invitation to attend the final.
- The U.S. co-hosted the World Cup with Canada and Mexico.
- The administration faced challenges with visa policies and immigration enforcement near game venues.
- Trump intervened in a referee call during the U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina match, which was subsequently reversed by FIFA.
- The U.S. is preparing to host future major sporting events, including the Olympics and Women's World Cup.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to present the World Cup trophy following the final match, viewing the tournament as a success for the United States. He has invited Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to attend the game, amidst ongoing trade discussions between the two nations and Canada.
The White House navigated significant logistical challenges in co-hosting the event with Canada and Mexico, balancing hard-line migration policies with the need to admit international fans and participants. The administration faced scrutiny over visa denials, including for a referee from Somalia, and concerns about immigration enforcement near game venues. Trump himself intervened in a controversial referee call during a U.S. match, which FIFA later reversed.
Despite these controversies, the tournament is seen by officials like Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, as a success that brought people together and showcased cultural moments. Senator Andy Kim also commented on the smooth logistics and the joy experienced by attendees. The U.S. administration's efforts are also viewed in the context of its upcoming hosting duties for the 2028 Summer Olympics, 2034 Winter Olympics, and potentially the 2031 Women's World Cup.