President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at the FIFA Club World Cup final in MetLife Stadium Sunday, getting a preview of the even grander soccer tournament the US is set to host next year.
The president and first lady had trekked up from the Trump National Golf Club Bedminster to watch Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea square off in the showdown at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
FIFA Club World Cup is a global contest between club teams — not to be confused with the FIFA World Cup, which is the world’s premier soccer competition between national teams.
The president and first lady were seen waving to the crowd as they took their seats to watch the big game.
President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump received a big applause at MetLife Stadium Sunday. They were joined by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and his wife Leena Al Ashqar. REUTERS
The FIFA Club World Cup trophy was placed in Trump’s box at MetLife Stadium for the final. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
MetLife Stadium is also poised to host the men’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final, marking the first time the US will hold the feted event since 1994.
Next year will be the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding.
Trump did not have any other major events on his schedule for Sunday other than observing the FIFA Club World Cup final and traveling.
Trump giving a salute during the national anthem. AFP via Getty Images
Trump pointing out to the crowd during his introduction. Getty Images
The president and first lady were seated next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Getty Images
First lady Melania Trump watching the pregame ceremony ahead of the final. REUTERS
The president’s visit to the FIFA Club World Cup final comes on the one-year anniversary of his brush with death in Butler, Pa., when a would-be assassin’s bullet came within a quarter inch of killing him.
Trump did not have any announced plans to mark that harrowing date, though he did sit for an interview with his daughter-in-law, Lara, which aired on Fox News Saturday night, in which he reflected on the assassination attempt.
“Well, it was unforgettable,” the president reflected during an interview on Fox News’ “My View.” “I didn’t know exactly what was going on. I got whacked. There’s no question about that.”
Infantino welcoming the Trumps to the FIFA Club World Cup Final. FIFA via Getty Images
Trump and his son-in-law Jared Kushner speaking with Chelsea F.C. Director Behdad Eghbali ahead of the match. FIFA via Getty Images
Trump speaking with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi. FIFA via Getty Images
“And fortunately, I got down quickly. People were screaming, and I got down quickly, fortunately, because I think they shot eight bullets.”
Throughout his second term, Trump has frequented blockbuster sporting events such as Super Bowl LIX and UFC fights, but Sunday marked his first foray of the year at a major FIFA game.
Trump has long been a sports fan, and during his second term, he has upped his attendance to major competitions, particularly the UFC, amid his friendly rapport with its CEO, Dana White.
Marine One landing at MetLife Stadium ahead of the final. REUTERS/Mike Segar
Melania Trump leaving Marine One. AFP via Getty Images
Donald Trump Jr. arriving at MetLife stadium with his girlfriend Bettina Anderson and US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
Donald Trump Jr. giving Anderson a kiss before the soccer game. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
Earlier this month, Trump unveiled plans to host a UFC fight at the White House within the next year as part of the festivities to herald America’s 250th birthday.
Back in February, he became the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl. Trump’s sports outings have become the top source of his public domestic travel, thus far in his second term, per a Newsweek tally.
In addition to hosting the FIFA World Cup Next year, the US is slated to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
