Topline
President Donald Trump was booed by some spectators at the FIFA Club World Cup Final at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, as English soccer club Chelsea capped off the controversy-plagued tournament with a dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain.
President of the United States Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino present medals to … More the players following the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between PSG and Chelsea at MetLife Stadium.
Key Facts
The president attended the final along with First Lady Melania Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Trump was first met with jeers as he appeared on the stadium’s giant screen, alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while the national anthem was being played.
Chelsea won the final after their midfield star Cole Palmer scored twice, before providing an assist to striker João Pedro, as the English club notched up three goals in the first half.
What Do We Know About Trump And Fifa’s Growing Ties?
The president’s attendance at the Club World Cup event comes just a year before the U.S. is set to co-host FIFA’s marquee tournament—the 2026 World Cup—along with Canada and Mexico. Infantino appears to have developed strong ties with Trump since the start of this year, and the FIFA chief even attended the president’s inauguration in January. Infantino has defended his relationship with the president, calling it “crucial,” and has played down concerns about Trump’s immigration crackdown impacting attendance at next year’s event. Last week, Infantino was present at the Trump Tower in New York as FIFA announced it was opening a representative office in the building.
Key Background
Chelsea’s dominant win in the final ended a tournament that faced criticism from soccer fans over its scheduling, ticket prices and qualification process. The group stage of the tournament saw several poorly attended games, as fans blamed steep ticket prices and games starting early in the afternoon on Wednesdays to cater to European and primetime viewers. The organizers were eventually forced to slash ticket prices for the knockout games, including the semis and the final. The selection of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami C.F. as the Major League Soccer representative in the tournament also faced criticism, as the Los Angeles Galaxy had been crowned the 2024 season champions.
Further Reading
Gianni Infantino talks up the Club World Cup at Trump Tower – ‘We will make it better’ (The Athletic)
Trump and Infantino’s ‘bromance’ at the Club World Cup (Le Monde)
FIFA chief dismisses US border policy fears in private World Cup remarks (Politico)
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Siladitya Ray