Donald Trump has set tongues wagging over his continued absence from the World Cup as the US Men’s National Team prepares for its knockout game against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Trump made an appearance at an NBA Finals game earlier this month but was largely booed, leading experts to suggest he may be trying to avoid a similar reception, given the international nature of the crowds at the games.
Although the president attended a UFC fight at the White House, his health remains a concern, especially after he was seen sleeping during the basketball game.
Donald Trump World Cup No-Show Raises Questions
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is well past the halfway mark following the conclusion of the group phase, but a conspicuous absence in the VIP luxury boxes has sparked intense speculation.
Last month, Donald Trump stoked speculation that he would be present and active at the games while praising FIFA for the number of tickets sold, saying it is “the most successful World Cup they’ve ever had.”
Yet, despite the US co-hosting the largest football tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, the president has noticeably remained absent from the games. The absence has drawn attention, especially given his well-documented love for the spotlight at major sporting events.
Heads of state from previous host nations have at least appeared for their country’s opening game. Emir Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani attended Qatar’s first game four years ago, while Vladimir Putin watched Russia’s opening match in Moscow in 2018.
Trump’s UFC Appearance Adds To World Cup Questions
It appears Trump favors the more brutal UFC spectacle, as he attended a “UFC Freedom 250” bout at the White House two days after the USMNT played its opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12.
While his schedule has been packed during that period, including high-stakes negotiations with Iran and an appearance at the G7 Summit in France, political strategists suggest a deeper calculation may be at play.
“It’s not out of character,” Federico de Jesus, a political strategist and communications expert who served as a media director for former president Barack Obama, told BBC Sport.
“UFC is the sport Trump has cultivated, and with which he has a special relationship,” he added. “Also, look at when he has attended other sports events. He went to the Super Bowl [last year in New Orleans], not regular-season games. It’s the main event – the World Cup final – where the ratings will be. Expect the same again.”
Donald Trump Reportedly Wary Of World Cup Boos
Indeed, Trump has attended major sporting events during his second tenure, including the Super Bowl, last summer’s Club World Cup final, and the opening day of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage.
De Jesus noted that President Obama would have “approached it differently” and at least attended the opening game, but said Trump is a completely different person.
Earlier this month, the billionaire politician attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the now-crowned champions, the New York Knicks, and the San Antonio Spurs, but was greeted with massive boos as footage of him flashed on the big screen.
The political strategist believes Trump was “wary” of receiving the same treatment, particularly because the World Cup crowd is a diverse mix of nationalities.
FIFA President Says Trump Is Expected At The Final
Meanwhile, those expecting Trump to completely miss out on the tournament may be mistaken.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has confirmed plans for Trump to be present at the final on July 19 in New Jersey and to join in presenting the trophy to the winning nation.
“We will be together with the president, enjoying the final and handing the trophy to the winner, of course,” Infantino told Fox.
Asked if they would both make the presentation, Infantino added, “Of course, we are together all the time.”
The president has also confirmed that he has been asked to do so. He may indeed make an appearance at the final, as he has favored grand, singular spectacles over prolonged engagements in the past.
Trump previously stole the show at the FIFA Club World Cup, where he raised eyebrows by remaining on the presentation podium to celebrate alongside a visibly confused Chelsea FC roster.
Donald Trump May Still Appear Before The Final
However, the president may make a showing before the final game, as Andrew Giuliani, the head of the White House World Cup Task Force, suggested.
“One thing I’ll tell you about my boss, and the 47th president – I’ve known him for, geez, close to 30 years now at this point – he likes a cliffhanger,” Giuliani told the Telegraph this week.
He added, “He likes to keep you on the edge of your seat. So, all I would just tell people is, tune in, and we’ll see some surprises, I’m sure.”
The US is set to square up against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 1.