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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum are set to attend the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, joining United States President Donald Trump, who has played a prominent role in the buildup to the championship match.
While the Spain vs. Argentina showdown will be both Trump and Scheinbaum's first appearance at the co-hosted tournament, it will be Carney's third, as the avid soccer enthusiast attended two of Canada's group stage games in Vancouver, including the country's historic first-ever men's World Cup win, a 6–0 thrashing of Qatar.
Scheinbaum opted to skip all 13 matches held in Mexico as a demonstration against the steep ticket prices, instead following El Tri's journey to the round of 16 from various public fan viewing events.
"I received an invitation from President Trump to go Sunday to the final of the World Cup. I made the decision, yes, to go because, well, it's a direct invitation from the president of the United States," Sheinbaum said Friday after an event in Quintana Roo. "Prime Minister Carney also will be there. I'm going to record a message with more details."
You showed a level of character that some people never achieve in their life.@CANMNT_Official pic.twitter.com/8nBrPNukSa
FIFA has confirmed that Trump will participate in the trophy presentation ceremony following the match, mirroring his involvement at last year's 2025 Club World Cup Final, when he and FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed Chelsea the trophy at MetLife Stadium, with Trump remaining on stage and appearing in several post-match celebration photos.
There has been no confirmation on whether Carney or Scheinbaum will also be involved in those celebrations, and current plans do not include 'O Canada or Himno Nacional Mexicano being performed before the match, despite Jennifer Hudson being scheduled to sing the Star-Spangled Banner ahead of the finalist nations' national anthems.
The three leaders were together for the first time back in December at the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., where Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize.
Trump, Infantino Trade Compliments Ahead of Final
On Thursday, Infantino heaped praise on Trump and the White House's contributions to the World Cup at an event held at Trump Tower in New York City, where FIFA maintains a rented office, stating: "All this would not have been possible, and I say this because it's the truth, because you don't need people to compliment you, Mr. President, this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you.
"This is the greatest human, social and cultural event mankind has ever witnessed. For this, I thank you. One country will be world champion, but the world has already won; America has won; FIFA has won."
Trump went on to add: "You should choose the United States of America again, and this time we will leave Canada and Mexico out," appearing to joke about a future co-hosted tournament with China. The next available men's World Cup hosting rights are for 2038, with 2030 awarded to Spain, Portugal and Morocco and 2034 going to Saudi Arabia.
Wildfire Smoke Strains Wounded North American Relationships
U.S. relations with both Canada and Mexico have been under significant strain during Trump's presidency, largely driven by trade disputes. The World Cup final also arrives as U.S. legislators push for sanctions against Canada over thick wildfire smoke drifting across the border from blazes in Northeastern Ontario.
In a Truth Social post, Trump claimed the U.S. had been "invaded" by "dirty air" and that "[the] cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying."
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When asked about the U.S. accusations, Carney responded Thursday: "Fighting climate change is the responsibility of all countries, including the United States," as the U.S. itself grapples with severe wildfires this summer, having already scorched over 5,740 square miles of American forests.
The wildfire smoke blanketing the New York City Metropolitan Area is expected to partially dissipate through Saturday and early Sunday with anticipated rainfall, though it remains a concern ahead of the final, after smoke prompted an MLS match in Chicago to be postponed due to health and safety risks.