During the final of the 2025 Club World Cup, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Donald Trump not only attended as guest of honor, but also starred in one of the most talked about moments off the field. As Chelsea celebrated their 3-0 victory over PSG, the U.S. president stood on stage with the players, which generated mixed reactions. What not many knew at the time was that Trump had a much closer link to the event and to FIFA.
Hours later, Trump himself revealed that he had received an official trophy from FIFA, which is currently on display in the Oval Office. He assured that the president of the organization, Gianni Infantino, initially asked him to temporarily keep the trophy, but was later informed that he could keep it, since a new one was being manufactured to replace it.
Diplomacy and soccer
This seemingly symbolic action has a greater significance when interpreted in the current political and diplomatic context.
The relationship between the United States and FIFA has gained momentum in recent years.
Especially with the upcoming 2026 World Cup to be held on U.S. soil along with Mexico and Canada.
For Trump, soccer represents not only a sporting activity growing in popularity within the country.
But also a platform from which to project cultural and political influence.
By receiving an official trophy and displaying it in such an emblematic space as the Oval Office, it reinforces its proximity to global events and links with millions of fans who follow these competitions closely.
Tribute to Pelé
Buzzy
During his remarks, Trump also nostalgically recalled his experience watching Pelé play in the United States, when he was part of the New York Cosmos team.
He described it as an unforgettable moment and compared it to U.S. sports legends like Babe Ruth.
This type of emotional references seeks to generate closeness with the public that sees soccer not only as a spectacle, but also as a part of its cultural identity.
This mention is not minor, since Pelé represents for many Latino communities in the U.S. the symbol of soccer as passion, effort and heritage.
By bringing it up, Trump is also trying to establish a link to an important base of voters and immigrants who feel the sport as a way to connect with their roots.
Why does this matter to U.S. Hispanics?
The relationship between the United States and FIFA has grown stronger in recent years
1. Soccer grows as a cultural and political bridge
2. Trump seeks to reach out to Latino communities through sports
3. U.S. reinforces its central role in global events
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