Despite being one of the most prominent political supporters of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, United States president Donald Trump has yet to set foot inside a stadium for a single match — even as the United States team marched into the knockout rounds.

Trump played a central role in the build-up to the tournament, appearing at the draw in Washington DC in December where Fifa president Gianni Infantino presented him with the governing body's inaugural 'Peace Prize'. The two men have cultivated a close working relationship, with Infantino welcomed at both the Oval Office and Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

When the United States kicked off their campaign against Paraguay on 12 June in Los Angeles — following an opening ceremony — Trump was absent. Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the trip from Washington in his place. Trump had instead prioritised a UFC event on the White House lawn two days later, which also marked his 80th birthday and the 250th anniversary of American independence.

A pattern of picking his moments

Political strategist Federico de Jesus, who served as media director for former president Barack Obama, told BBC Sport the absence was consistent with Trump's approach to sport. "UFC is the sport Trump has cultivated, and with which he has a special relationship," de Jesus said. "Look at when he has attended other sports events — he went to the Super Bowl, not regular season games. It's the main event — the World Cup final — where the ratings will be."

Trump also skipped the United States' subsequent group matches against Australia in Seattle and Turkey in Los Angeles. De Jesus suggested Trump may be "wary" after being booed when he became the first sitting US president to attend the NBA Finals in New York earlier this month — particularly given "the more international crowd" at World Cup venues.

The political sensitivities are real. Los Angeles and Seattle are strongly Democrat cities, and controversy surrounding some of the administration's immigration and foreign policy positions may have made Trump's staff nervous about the reception he might receive.

Will he appear before the final?

Infantino has confirmed that Trump is expected to attend the World Cup final in New Jersey on 19 July and to present the trophy. Trump himself has acknowledged the invitation. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, hinted at possible earlier appearances.

"He likes a cliffhanger. He likes to keep you on the edge of your seat. So all I would tell people is: tune in, and we'll see some surprises, I'm sure," Giuliani said.

Trump's schedule has undeniably been demanding. Around the time of the United States' opener, he was preparing for the G7 summit in France between 15 and 17 June, and was deep in negotiations for a peace deal with Iran, which was announced on 18 June.

It is also worth noting that while Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney attended his country's match against Qatar in Vancouver, Mexico president Claudia Sheinbaum has stated she will not attend any games, citing the high cost of tickets.

Those close to Trump insist his absence from the stands does not reflect a lack of engagement. He reportedly called the United States squad the day before their opening match, and several senior administration figures — including Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin, Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy, and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy — have attended matches in his stead.

Fifa, for its part, is said to be satisfied with the support it has received from the US administration throughout the tournament. And if Trump does arrive for the final, the governing body will likely consider that enough — though, given his appetite for the spotlight, an earlier cameo cannot be ruled out.