Former United States President Donald J. Trump is expected to attend the final match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held on Sunday, July 13, at the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This was confirmed by ESPN, citing sources close to the tournament’s organizers.
The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup has been historic in many ways, including the expanded format, which saw 32 clubs from around the world participate—similar to the structure of the FIFA World Cup. This year’s tournament marks a significant shift from the traditional 7-team format and is being held in the United States for the very first time.
As the world turns its attention to the much-anticipated final, Trump’s presence is expected to further elevate the global profile of the event. It is understood that the former president, a known football enthusiast and promoter of sports diplomacy during his time in office, has accepted an invitation from the organizing committee to attend the final showdown.
So far, the tournament has lived up to expectations, delivering thrilling football and showcasing some of the world’s top clubs. Chelsea FC, representing the Premier League and England, have already secured their place in the final after a commanding 2-0 victory over Brazilian side Fluminense in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
The match was played in front of a capacity crowd at MetLife Stadium, where Joao Pedro emerged as the hero of the night. The talented forward scored both goals in the match, putting in a dominant performance that saw Chelsea control possession and dictate the tempo from start to finish.
“We came here with one mission—to win the Club World Cup,” Joao Pedro told reporters after the game. “Scoring twice in a semi-final is a dream, but the job is not finished. We want to lift the trophy on Sunday.”
Chelsea will now face either Real Madrid or Paris Saint-Germain in what promises to be a blockbuster final. The two European powerhouses are set to clash in the second semi-final, also at MetLife Stadium, on Wednesday night.
The fixture is expected to draw an electric atmosphere, with fans eager to see global stars such as Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, and Achraf Hakimi take the field in what could be one of the most memorable matches of the tournament.
Real Madrid, the most decorated club in European football, are chasing their record-extending sixth Club World Cup title, while PSG are looking to win the trophy for the first time in their history.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are looking to add a second Club World Cup title, having previously won the tournament in 2021 under then-manager Thomas Tuchel.
While the footballing world is focused on the players and the outcome of Sunday’s final, the presence of a former U.S. President underscores the growing significance of football (soccer) in American culture. Trump, whose real estate company once owned the New Jersey Generals of the USFL, has been linked to multiple ventures in sport and is seen as a high-profile figure whose appearance adds a political dimension to major events.
Although FIFA and U.S. Soccer Federation officials have not commented on the significance of Trump’s attendance, organizers are reportedly making additional security arrangements for the final due to the political stature of expected guests.
This year’s Club World Cup is also viewed as a key test event ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also be hosted by the United States, along with Canada and Mexico. With major stadiums, fan engagement strategies, and logistical operations being trialed at this year’s tournament, the presence of international and political dignitaries further validates the event’s importance on the global stage.
The Club World Cup final is expected to be broadcast in over 180 countries, drawing an estimated global audience of over 300 million viewers. Ticket demand has surged in recent days following Chelsea’s qualification and the buzz surrounding the Real Madrid vs PSG semi-final.
In a statement, FIFA said:
“The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been an incredible success, and we are proud to bring the beautiful game to fans in the United States. We look forward to an unforgettable final on Sunday.”
Manchester City, the reigning champions of the tournament after their triumph in 2023, did not qualify for this edition, leaving the door open for a new champion. The final, regardless of which teams advance, is shaping up to be a celebration of international football, featuring world-class talent and high-stakes drama.
With Donald Trump now confirmed to attend, the final will also capture the attention of political and global media, further emphasizing how football continues to transcend sport and become a unifying force across cultures and nations.
Africa Live News will provide live coverage and post-match analysis from the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, including exclusive updates on Trump’s appearance and reactions from fans and players.
