If there is one thing that is very strict in FIFA, it is the people who can have the pleasure of touching the World Cup trophy, something that caused a lot of controversy at Qatar 2022 after Salt Bae sneaked onto the Lusail pitch in Argentina’s celebration.
In the strict protocol of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), there are few people who can afford, for example, in this case and for the next edition of the 2026 World Cup, Donald Trump, Claudia Sheinbaum or Mark Carney.
Donald Trump lifts World Cup trophy at the White House
During his visit to the United States to announce the date and venue for the 2026 World Cup draw, Gianni Infantino held a meeting with Donald Trump, whom he allowed to touch the coveted soccer trophy.
“Here is the trophy that the participants will compete for, a tournament that will have 104 matches in a month, as if it were many Super Bowls. It is not only the biggest event, it is the greatest, because it is not only a sporting event, but also a social event full of emotion,” he began in the Oval Office.
Gianni Infantino gave Donald Trump the honor of touching the most prized trophy in soccer that will be awarded next year in New York/New Jersey.
“It is the trophy that the winner of the FIFA World Cup lifts. Only the FIFA president, the presidents of the countries and the winners can touch it, because it is only for winners,” he reiterated.
“And since you’re a winner, of course you can touch it too, it’s quite heavy and the last one to lift it was Lionel Messi with Argentina, and here it is in the Oval Office of the White House.”
An opportunity not to be missed by the President of the United States, who joked: “Should I keep it? Well, we’re not going to give it back and it fits very well here. It looks great on the wall there, we’ll put it right under the angels. It’s beautiful, it’s a beautiful piece of gold,” he replied.
Who can touch the World Cup?
Based on this, we take a look at who can live with the award after the controversy that arose with Salt Bae in Qatar 2022, and among them are Donald Trump (United States), Claudia Sheinbaum (Mexico) and Mark Carney (Canada); as well as Gianni Infantino as FIFA president.
- World champions: The players and coaching staff of the team that wins the tournament are the main ones authorised. They have the right to hold it and kiss it after victory
- Heads of state: The presidents or leaders of the host country and the champion country can touch the trophy due to their status, as the three leaders will experience in 2026
- Football legends: FIFA can designate exceptional figures, who have made a historic contribution to the sport, so that they can touch the trophy, even if they have not won it. Or, failing that, Gianni Infantino comes in here as FIFA president
Donald Trump at the 2026 World Cup Final
On the other hand, the President of the United States is the first ‘guest’ at the match that will decide the World Cup champion on July 19, 2026, which will be played at MetLife Stadium in the New York/New Jersey venue.
With a representative huge ticket, and with the first seat in row 1, Gianni Infantino gave the ticket to Donald Trump, where he is expected to be in charge of presenting the trophy to the champion.
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