Donald Trump is expected to award the World Cup trophy to either Spain or Argentina in 2026, a move that will mark a clear break from World Cup tradition. This isn’t just some casual photo op; we’re talking about the solid gold, original trophy, one of the biggest prizes in sports, and FIFA has historically kept a tight lid on who even gets to lay a finger on it.
The Golden Rule for the Golden Trophy
Look, this isn’t some participation trophy you hand out at a local soccer league. The World Cup trophy is the real deal, introduced back in the 1970s, and it’s made of solid gold. While the champions proudly walk away with a replica to keep forever, that original piece of history only comes out every four years. And FIFA, the global powerhouse, has super strict rules about who gets to touch it. According to their website, it’s reserved for a super select group that includes heads of state, FIFA officials, and former World Cup winners. Naturally, members of the winning team get their hands on it during the ceremony, but beyond that, it’s a seriously exclusive club.
Trump’s Unprecedented Trophy Moment
So how does Donald Trump, as a head of state, fit into this super exclusive circle? He’s already cleared the first hurdle, having touched the trophy back in August 2025 when FIFA president Gianni Infantino made a stop at the White House. But here’s where things get really spicy: FIFA is actually tapping Trump to *award* the trophy to the winning team after the 2026 final. Let that sink in. This isn’t just him being in the VIP section; he’s front and center, handing over the biggest prize in soccer. And that, my friends, is a clear break from a long-standing World Cup tradition. You can bet that’s going to turn some heads and get people talking about what it means for the tournament’s pomp and circumstance. Infantino, though, is playing it cool, saying this was always the game plan. He even name-dropped Qatari head of state Tamin bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani’s presence at the 2022 trophy presentation as a precedent. “Hopefully we’ll present the trophy together in the final,” Infantino stated, making his position clear. “That’s always been the plan, and that’s how it’s always been done in the past the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president.” It sounds like an attempt to normalize what many might see as a significant shift in protocol, but Infantino is pushing the narrative that this is business as usual. Either way, it’s a big deal.
Whether you think it’s a game-changer or just a new chapter, the 2026 World Cup final is already shaping up to be one for the history books, long before Spain or Argentina even kicks a ball. Get ready for a trophy presentation unlike any we’ve seen before!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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