• Loading stock data...
Sunday, October 5, 2025

Trump to Attend Club World Cup Final

The president said he will attend the tournament’s final match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, which will host the World Cup final next year.

Jul 8, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC forward Pedro Neto (7) applauds fans after a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium.
Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

President Donald Trump told reporters he will attend Sunday’s Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium.

“I’ll be going to the game,” he said Tuesday.

Trump had previously been invited to the match by New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy. But his decision came Tuesday after FIFA announced it is opening an office at Trump Tower in New York.

Trump has a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. This spring, Infantino accompanied Trump on an official visit to the Middle East instead of attending FIFA’s annual congress. Included in Trump’s domestic policy bill that he signed last week was $625 million to help with security costs for the 2026 World Cup, which the U.S. will jointly host with Canada and Mexico.

The president hasn’t been totally oblivious to the international club tournament happening on American soil this summer. The task force he commissioned for the 2026 World Cup earlier this year was also designed to aid in hosting this year’s tournament. And Italian side Juventus visited the Oval Office during the group stage in what ended up as an awkward encounter where Trump asked players about transgender women in sports.

The big questions for organizers of the Club World Cup are how the president’s attendance impacts security and media. Security is already one of the biggest expenses when staging a large sporting event, and the president’s attendance only heightens those costs. It also adds a wrinkle for TV producers, both from global streamer DAZN and U.S. carrier TNT Sports, to determine how much they can or should show the president on the broadcast.

Trump became the first sitting president to attend the Super Bowl when he watched the Eagles beat the Chiefs in New Orleans. He left the game early in the second half. When asked in February about the additional security costs incurred by the president’s attendance, a spokesperson for the Secret Service deferred to a public records request, which the Department of Homeland Security still has yet to fill.

Sunday’s match will feature Chelsea against the winner of Wednesday afternoon’s semifinal between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. It will be the richest soccer final ever with $40 million awarded to the winner and $30 million to the loser. By securing its spot in the final, Chelsea guaranteed it will walk away with at least $100 million in winnings from the tournament.

MetLife is hosting both semifinals and the final of the Club World Cup, a test run for hosting the World Cup final next year. The venue had struggled with attendance throughout the group stage and ticket prices fell dramatically for Tuesday’s match, perhaps contributing to several Chelsea players’ decision to share ticket links for Tuesday’s match on their Instagram stories. Official attendance for Chelsea’s win on Tuesday came in at 70,556 fans.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Bad Bunny, U.S. Officials Trade Barbs Over Super Bowl Halftime Show

DHS Secretary Noem attacks the choice, while Bad Bunny responds on SNL.
Signs promoting the FIFA World Cup Final coming to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on Wednesday Feb. 7, 2024. The World Cup is held every four years and the 2026 World Cup Final match will be played at MetLife Stadium.

High Ticket Prices Define First World Cup Presale

Most fans weren’t picked for the pricey first presale window.

FIFA Won’t Move 2026 World Cup Matches Despite Trump Remarks

The organization’s VP pushes back on recent comments from Trump.
Apr 16, 2025; Washington, DC, USA; FIFA Chief Football Officer Jill Ellis speaks during a FIFA Club World Cup press conference at Audi Field.

San Diego Wave Owners Sue Jill Ellis for Abandoning Team After Sale

Ellis allegedly broke a pledge by leaving for FIFA after the sale.

Featured Today

Paul Cartier

Sports Organists Are Still Thriving in the Era of Raucous Arena Music

“When they walk out and they see a real organ guy, it’s like, ‘Wow.’”
Sep 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the sixth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at American Family Field.
October 4, 2025

Milwaukee Moneyball: Brewers Are Beating MLB’s Deeper Pockets

Milwaukee is holding its own against big-budget competitors.
Kōloa Rum Company Rum Rusher
September 27, 2025

Panthers Bubbly, Jets Wine, Manning Whiskey: The Sports Booze Boom

A sommelier dives into the sports booze trend—and tries Jets wine.
Nov 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans wave Terrible Towels against the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium
September 26, 2025

Steelers’ Irish Roots Are Deeper Than NFL Dublin Game

The Steelers have history and the foundation for a future in Ireland.
[US, Mexico, & Canada customers only] Mar 16, 2025; Singapore, SINGAPORE; Joaquin Niemann in action during the final round of LIV Golf Singapore at Sentosa Golf Club.

LIV Golf Lost $461M in Non-U.S. Operations in 2024

Public financial filings were released this week in the U.K.
Grand Slam Track
exclusive
October 3, 2025

Investors Keep Grand Slam Track Alive With 8-Figure Lifeline

The league paid athletes half of what they’re owed Friday.
Sep 28, 2025; Dublin, Ireland; Pittsburgh Steelers fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL International Series game at Croke Park.
October 3, 2025

NFL Wants to Play on a Record Fifth Continent

Asia is in the league’s sights after a 2026 game in Australia.
Sponsored

How Soccer Star Jozy Altidore Became a Buffalo Bills Owner

Jozy Altidore discusses building a business legacy off the field.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Sep 27, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe's Matt Fitzpatrick celebrates with Tyrrell Hatton after holing his putt to win the hole on the 9th hole during the four-balls on the second day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
October 2, 2025

Ryder Cup Fallout Continues As PGA of America Leaders Take Heat

European players are still not happy with the fan behavior.
Cathy Engelbert
October 1, 2025

WNBA Stars Ripped the Commissioner. Where Does the League Go From Here?

Engelbert is set to address the media at the Finals on Friday.
Aug 24, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes reacts against the Golden State Valkyries during the first half at College Park Center
September 30, 2025

Wings Fire Coach After One Season, Opening Fifth WNBA Vacancy

Paige Bueckers will be getting a new head coach.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) shoots the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Isaiah Joe (11) during the second half of game six of the 2025 NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
September 30, 2025

NBA to Sell Franchises in Basketball Africa League

Suns rookie Khaman Maluach played in the BAL before going to Duke.