Trump Is Going to World Cup Final, Has a Job to Do

President Trump will be attending the World Cup final on Sunday, but it's something of a working gig, reports the Guardian. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the president's plans to go to the big match between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey, calling it "a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage." FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has said Trump is expected to help him present the trophy at New Jersey New York Stadium, saying, "That's always been the plan, and that's how it's always been done in the past—the president of the country where the final is held presents the trophy together with the FIFA president." The New York area is currently under an air-quality warning due to wildfires in Canada, notes the BBC.

Trump hasn't attended a game at this World Cup but has loomed over it, reports the BBC. He personally lobbied Infantino to revisit US forward Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension; FIFA ultimately overturned the ban, though the episode drew political attention to Team USA's run, which ended with a loss to Belgium. The president has become a steady presence at major sporting events since his reelection, from the Super Bowl to the NBA Finals, where he has been met with both cheers and boos. Before Sunday's final, Trump is set to appear at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, where the organization opened an office last year.