On July 13, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump attended the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The match, featuring Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) against Chelsea, coincided with the one-year anniversary of the assassination attempt against him in Butler, Pennsylvania, during the 2024 presidential campaign. Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, he traveled 64 kilometers from his Bedminster golf club to watch the game, a preview of the 2026 World Cup, also set to be hosted at the same stadium. The visit, under tight security, underscored Trump’s ties with sports events and his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The event also highlighted the U.S. role as a host for major soccer tournaments.
Trump’s arrival at the stadium was met with cheers and some boos during the national anthem, before performances by Robbie Williams and Laura Pausini. The president, who has frequented sports events since the start of his second term, used the occasion to reinforce his public image, while the date evoked memories of the Butler incident, where a gunman fired eight shots, one grazing his ear.
The match, pitting PSG in pursuit of a fourth seasonal title against a revitalized Chelsea, also served as a stage for diplomatic engagements. Trump, alongside Infantino and figures like Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, reportedly discussed issues such as a Gaza ceasefire, according to close sources.
- Event highlights:
- Club World Cup final between PSG and Chelsea at MetLife Stadium.
- Trump participated in the trophy presentation, reinforcing his ceremonial role.
- Presence of figures like Infantino and Qatar’s Emir in the presidential box.
- Event as a preview for the 2026 World Cup, set for the same stadium.
Context of the Butler attack
One year prior, on July 13, 2024, Trump survived an assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. A gunman, identified as Thomas Crooks, fired eight shots from a nearby rooftop, one hitting Trump’s ear. The incident, which killed spectator Corey Comperatore as he shielded his family, shocked the nation and bolstered Trump’s support among voters. In a Fox News interview aired the day before the final, Trump called the moment “unforgettable,” praising the Secret Service, particularly an agent named David, who neutralized the shooter.
The White House opted against public events to mark the anniversary, focusing instead on honoring Comperatore. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt noted Trump’s ongoing contact with the victim’s family, reinforcing a narrative of solidarity. The attack also sparked criticism of the Secret Service, with reports citing communication and planning failures, leading to security reforms.
- Facts about the attack:
- Occurred on July 13, 2024, during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
- A bullet grazed Trump’s ear; he recovered quickly.
- Corey Comperatore died protecting his family from gunfire.
- Reports highlighted Secret Service failures in attack prevention.
- Trump credited his survival to “divine intervention.”
Trump’s ties with soccer
Trump’s presence at the Club World Cup final reflects his affinity for major sports events. Since starting his second term in January 2025, he has attended events like the Super Bowl, Daytona 500, UFC fights, and the NCAA wrestling championship. His relationship with FIFA, particularly Infantino, has strengthened, notably with FIFA opening an office in Trump Tower, New York, days before the final.
The president also announced plans to attend several matches of the 2026 World Cup, to be held across 16 stadiums in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The final, set for MetLife Stadium, will see Trump chair the tournament’s security committee, reinforcing his influence in global events.
- Sports events attended by Trump in 2025:
- Super Bowl, in New Orleans.
- Daytona 500, in Florida.
- UFC fights, in Miami and Newark.
- NCAA wrestling championship, in Philadelphia.
- Club World Cup final, in New Jersey.
Enhanced security at the event
Trump’s attendance at the final required an unprecedented security operation. Following the 2024 attack, the Secret Service implemented measures like protected travel routes, bulletproof glass in the presidential box, and detailed evacuation plans. Security experts, such as Michale Evanoff, highlighted the challenges of protecting public figures at large events, where risks like thrown objects or structural collapses are considered.
Trump’s role in the trophy presentation further complicated planning, requiring coordination with FIFA organizers and local authorities. The presence of leaders like Qatar’s Emir and Infantino also heightened security, with motorcades and traffic blockades in East Rutherford.
- Security measures at the stadium:
- Protected travel routes from Bedminster to MetLife Stadium.
- Presidential box equipped with bulletproof glass.
- Evacuation plans for scenarios like structural collapse.
- Coordination between Secret Service, FIFA, and local authorities.
Impact of the Club World Cup in the U.S.
The Club World Cup final, the first expanded edition hosted in the U.S., marked a milestone for soccer in the country. PSG, having won Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and the Champions League in 2025, aimed for a fourth title, while Chelsea, with a bolstered roster, sought global dominance. The event drew global attention, with a packed MetLife Stadium and millions watching on TV.
The tournament also tested infrastructure for the 2026 World Cup, which will feature 104 matches and 48 teams. Trump’s ties with Infantino and FIFA’s choice of Trump Tower as its New York base underscore the event’s political significance, despite regional tensions with Canada and Mexico over tariffs and immigration policies.
- Club World Cup 2025 facts:
- First expanded edition, with more clubs than previous tournaments.
- MetLife Stadium to host the 2026 World Cup final.
- PSG won three titles in 2025 before the final.
- Chelsea featured stars like João Pedro, key in the semifinal.
Diplomatic engagements at the final
Beyond sports, the Club World Cup final facilitated diplomatic discussions. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, confirmed meetings with Qatari officials on a Gaza ceasefire. The presence of Emir Sheikh Tamim, who has past business ties with Trump, including donating a Boeing 747-8 jet, highlighted the blend of sport and politics.
Trump’s relationship with Infantino also gained attention, with FIFA strengthening its U.S. presence. The Trump Tower office opening, announced days earlier, symbolizes their close ties, with New York set as a base for the 2026 World Cup.
- Diplomatic highlights:
- Meetings on Gaza ceasefire with Qatari officials.
- Trump-Infantino partnership, solidified at Trump Tower.
- Presence of global leaders like Qatar’s Emir at the event.
Preparations for the 2026 World Cup
The Club World Cup final served as a rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup, which will span the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. With 48 teams and 104 matches, it will be the largest tournament ever, with all quarterfinals onward played in the U.S. Trump, chairing the security committee, has expressed enthusiasm for the event, expected to draw millions of tourists and generate billions in revenue.
Infrastructure tested in 2025, including security, transport, and stadiums, will be scaled up for 2026. MetLife Stadium, with over 80,000 seats, will host the final on July 19, 2026.
- 2026 World Cup details:
- 48 teams, 104 matches, from June 11 to July 19.
- 16 stadiums across three countries, final at MetLife Stadium.
- Security committee chaired by Trump.
- Expected to attract millions of tourists to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
