FIFA has granted a special request from US President Donald Trump, allowing him to break a long-standing tradition during the official post-match trophy presentation at the 2026 World Cup, talkSPORT reports. The regulatory shift was initially disclosed by prominent sports journalist Ben Jacobs.

Under established FIFA protocol, the iconic World Cup trophy is traditionally placed on a designated plinth on the pitch following the final whistle. The captain of the winning team is required to walk up, lift the trophy independently, and carry it over to their teammates on the podium to begin celebrations. However, tournament organizers have altered the script for this edition; the US President will be permitted to pick up the trophy first and personally hand it to the winning captain, while also joining the squad directly on the main stage during the iconic confetti lift.

This is not the first time Trump has bypassed strict football hierarchy. In July 2025, during the expanded FIFA Club World Cup held in the United States, Trump similarly stepped outside official protocol to present the trophy to Chelsea FC, joining the players' podium despite visible efforts by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to steer him away. According to talkSPORT, that specific tournament trophy was temporarily taken to the Oval Office, leaving the club with a replica. Trump reportedly intends to replicate a similar presentation style on football's grandest international stage. The 2026 World Cup final will take place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New York.