Spain and Argentina set for World Cup final Sunday at MetLife Stadium

President Donald Trump will attend Sunday's World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where he is expected to co-present the trophy alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The match, which kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 19, pits the world's top two ranked teams against each other in what will be the tournament's culminating event.olympics+2

Trophy Presentation and Political Dynamics

Infantino confirmed in June that Trump would join him in handing the trophy to the winning captain, a break from recent FIFA protocol in which the governing body's president typically presents the award alone. It marks the second consecutive year Trump will present a major soccer trophy at MetLife, after he participated in the Club World Cup final ceremony in July 2025.espn+2

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will also be in attendance but has no plans to meet with Trump at the event, according to reports. Mamdani told reporters his focus would be "on the game" rather than on the president's presence. The two leaders have maintained what has been described as an unlikely relationship despite sharp political differences, including Mamdani's public criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies during the tournament.youtube+3

Unprecedented Security Operation

Security around the stadium has been dramatically heightened for the final, which has been designated a National Special Security Event. A no-drone zone is in effect around MetLife Stadium, with federal agencies reporting they have seized more than 600 drones near World Cup sites throughout the tournament. The FAA's restricted airspace measures are being enforced by counter-drone technologies funded by $250 million in federal investment earmarked for host states.usatoday+3

More than 400 law enforcement agencies have collaborated with federal authorities throughout the tournament. Fans face airport-style screening, including metal detectors and clear bag requirements, while FIFA's "Last Mile" security perimeter restricts access around the venue. The presence of the president adds a further layer to what security experts have called a challenge far more complex than the Super Bowl.foxnews+1

The final will air on Fox and Telemundo, with defending champion Argentina led by Lionel Messi facing European champions Spain in a matchup 60 years in the making.youtube+2