The stage is set for a truly momentous occasion at MetLife Stadium in New York as Donald Trump prepares to present the coveted World Cup trophy to the victorious team following Sunday's blockbuster final between Argentina and Spain. In a bold move that brings a slice of American sporting culture to the global football scene, Fifa has also introduced championship rings – thirty authentic ones for the winners, with 1,996 replicas up for grabs by fans.
Each ring will feature an intricate miniature World Cup trophy design and a personalized engraving on its band. This innovative initiative marks a significant departure from previous tournaments, injecting a fresh dose of excitement into the proceedings. Trump's attendance, confirmed by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, comes after a tournament in which he had kept a low profile – despite a recent controversy involving a phone call to Fifa President Gianni Infantino that sparked heated debate and raised questions about the integrity of the competition.
The drama surrounding Trump's involvement didn't end there. A highly publicized row erupted over his reported attempt to influence the outcome of Folarin Balogun's red card, with some questioning whether this was a case of special treatment for the US striker. The subsequent decision to suspend Balogun's automatic ban allowed him to play against Belgium in the last 16 – a move that left many scratching their heads and wondering if justice had been served.
As the world waits with bated breath, Mother Nature is also keeping a watchful eye on proceedings. A weather warning has been issued for New York due to Canadian wildfires affecting air quality, but there's no indication this will impact the final – which promises to be an electrifying spectacle that will captivate fans around the globe.
Trump has form when it comes to attending major sporting events, having hosted numerous high-profile matches at the White House during his presidency. His presence at the World Cup final is, therefore, no surprise – but what does it say about the significance he attaches to this tournament?
The road to Sunday's decider has been long and arduous for both Argentina and Spain, with each team having given their all in pursuit of glory. The third-place match between England and France will take centre stage on Saturday at 22:00 BST in Miami – but all eyes will be on MetLife Stadium come Sunday evening when the World Cup final gets underway at 20:00 BST.