Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, invited President Donald Trump to attend the Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium on July 13, aiming to bridge political divides ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
At a Glance
- Murphy personally extended an invitation to Trump for the Club World Cup final in a recent conversation
- The match features top domestic league champions and is seen as a dry run for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- MetLife Stadium will host nine matches this summer, including the final on July 13
- Attendance for the opening Club World Cup match is expected to reach 40,000–50,000
- The invitation underscores New Jersey’s efforts to welcome all political persuasions ahead of the 2026 games
A Sports Gesture in a Polarized Political Climate
At a June 11 countdown event for the FIFA World Cup, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy revealed that he had spoken to Trump the previous Saturday and personally invited him to the July 13 Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium. Murphy admitted he wasn’t sure whether Trump would attend but emphasized the symbolic importance of the gesture.
The move comes as organizers prepare for the global spotlight in 2026. Murphy has assured fans and foreign delegations that New Jersey will be welcoming to all, implicitly addressing past concerns about U.S. immigration policies under Trump’s administration.
Big Event, Bigger Stakes
The 2025 Club World Cup is a newly expanded tournament that brings together 32 domestic league champions. MetLife Stadium is scheduled to host nine matches, including the final on July 13. The tournament is widely viewed as a rehearsal for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will also feature multiple games at the same venue.
Murphy noted that the opening match between Palmeiras and FC Porto is expected to draw between 40,000 and 50,000 attendees—providing a key opportunity to test crowd management, transportation, and security measures before the larger tournament next year.
Politics Meets the Pitch
Inviting Trump to such a high-profile event reflects Murphy’s broader strategy to position New Jersey—and the United States—as a unified and welcoming host. While Trump has not publicly responded, the outreach aligns with previous examples of sports diplomacy that transcend partisanship.
Whether or not Trump accepts the invitation, Murphy’s gesture highlights the potential for major sporting events to ease political friction, promote unity, and showcase international hospitality. With the eyes of the world turning to MetLife Stadium this summer, even a handshake in the VIP box could have symbolic weight.
