Washington: US President Donald Trump will attend Sunday's (Monday IST) World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the White House announced, reserving his first appearance at the tournament for its grand climax.

"His attendance will cap what has been the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated during a briefing on Thursday (local time). "This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage."

The US leader is also scheduled to attend a reception for football's global governing body, FIFA, at Trump Tower in New York on Friday, Leavitt confirmed.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously announced in June that Trump would attend the final in New Jersey and present the trophy to the tournament winners, though the White House had held off on confirming the plans until now.

Leavitt remarked that she was unaware of whether Trump would be backing Argentina or Spain, noting that the president had criticised the European country at a NATO summit last week for failing to assist in the war with Iran.

Whilst Trump has not attended any games during the tournament so far, he has made his presence felt in a more controversial manner.

Earlier this month, Trump confirmed he had asked FIFA's Infantino to review a decision to show a red card to star US striker Folarin Balogun during a group stage match against Bosnia.

Following the intervention, FIFA suspended Balogun's one-match ban ahead of the Americans' subsequent fixture against Belgium. Despite the striker being allowed on the pitch, the host nation suffered an embarrassing 4-1 defeat.

Trump has repeatedly taken credit for securing the United States the rights to co-host the 2026 World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, a hosting decision reached by FIFA during his first presidential term.

Meanwhile, Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump, presenting him with a newly created FIFA peace prize at the tournament's draw in Washington last year, months before the US initiated military action against Venezuela and Iran.

The decision to let Trump present the World Cup trophy follows previous controversy surrounding the presentation of the Club World Cup to English side Chelsea, following their victory over Paris Saint-Germain at the same New Jersey stadium last year.

During that ceremony, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea captain Reece James but then lingered on the stage, actively participating in the team's celebrations alongside a group of visibly bemused players. He subsequently kept a replica of the trophy in his office.

AFP