Donald Trump gets special permission to bend FIFA rules during the World Cup
FIFA reportedly has “no problem” with US President Donald Trump stepping outside the usual rules during the 2026 World Cup.
The 23rd World Cup is already underway, with the three host countries – the US, Mexico, and Canada – all starting strong and adding to the tournament’s excitement.
Mexico kicked things off with a 2-0 win over South Africa, Canada tied 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the US scored a big 4-1 win against Paraguay on June 13.
Meanwhile, Brazil, who have won five times before, only managed a 1-1 draw against Morocco, who made it to the semi-finals in 2022.
On June 14, Germany crushed World Cup newcomers Curaçao 7-1, even though Curaçao had once tied the match at 1-1.
Coming up, France, winners in 1998 and 2018, will face Senegal on June 16. The current champions, Argentina, will play Algeria on June 17. Portugal and England also start their games that day.
There will be 104 matches across three countries and 16 cities, with the final set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York/New Jersey.
Many famous people are expected at the final, and Trump is reportedly going to have a special role during the trophy ceremony.
According to talkSPORT, the 80-year-old Trump has told FIFA he wants to present the trophy to the winners, and FIFA has no objection even though this breaks with the usual rules.
Normally, the winning team’s captain carries the trophy from its stand to the teammates on the podium.
But sources say it’s up to Trump whether he stands with the winners, like he did at last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup final, where Chelsea beat Paris Saint-Germain and he celebrated with the players, surprising many.
Even though some say Trump giving out the trophy breaks the rules, FIFA’s official regulations don’t actually forbid it. The rules just say the winning team gets the trophy on the field after the game and must return it to FIFA later.
Besides the trophy, the winners will also get a special plaque to remember their participation, and all 48 teams in the tournament will receive one.
Plus, diplomas will be given to the teams finishing first, second, and third.