When Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup trophy at Metlife Stadium a year ago, television images captured a moment that foreshadowed what may await the 2026 World Cup final at the same venue. Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, attempted to subtly steer Donald Trump away from the podium, but the then-US president remained, celebrating with visibly bewildered Chelsea players. Karim Zidan, a journalist covering the intersection of sports and politics, described the scene as an absurd precursor to what could unfold on July 19, when the World Cup final is played in New Jersey. “We will surely see some similar absurd situation where Trump pushes himself forward to be part of the celebration,” Zidan said.

Viewed from Washington, the episode is emblematic of a broader concern that major sporting events are increasingly exploited for political theatre. Zidan, who runs the site Sports Politika, argues that the concept of “sportswashing” — typically associated with authoritarian regimes using events to distract from human rights abuses — now applies to the United States. “The World Cup is being used as a tribute to Trump’s America,” he noted, pointing to the administration’s eagerness to associate itself with the tournament’s global prestige. Analysts in London echo this view, observing that Trump’s intervention at the Club World Cup was not an isolated incident but part of a pattern where political figures co-opt sporting moments to project power.

The implications extend beyond mere optics. From a European perspective, the incident underscores a growing tension between FIFA’s desire to maintain apolitical ceremonies and the reality of hosting tournaments in countries where leaders see them as platforms for national branding. Zidan warned that the 2026 final could become a stage for Trump to present a facade of unity and strength, regardless of the political climate at the time. “It’s about presenting a facade,” he said, “and Trump will want to be at the centre of it.”

Looking ahead, the question is not whether Trump will seek to dominate the final’s proceedings, but how FIFA and US organisers will manage his presence. The memory of Infantino’s failed attempt to usher Trump off the podium suggests that institutional protocols may prove insufficient. As the tournament draws closer, observers from multiple continents will watch closely for signs of how the event’s ceremonial aspects are negotiated — and whether the beautiful game can resist being overshadowed by the politics of its host nation.