United States President Donald J. Trump will attend the World Cup final on Sunday between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the White House confirmed. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced the expected decision on Thursday, saying that it would be “a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.” Meanwhile, FIFA has also announced that it will present winners’ rings to the players of the team that wins the final, awarding the piece of jewelry that has become synonymous with the championship teams of leagues like the NFL and the NBA.

Here’s what to know: 

Trump to attend World Cup final 

Trump is expected to present the World Cup trophy to the winners of the tournament but has not attended any of the 102 World Cup game so far, missing the United States matches as well. However, his increasingly close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come under intense media scrutiny, particularly after FIFA lifted Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension ahead of the round of 16 clash against Belgium. A decision that, according to Trump himself, was made following his personal request. Mauricio Pochettino’s side lost 4-1 against Belgium and were knocked out by the Red Devils. 

It’s common for the heads of state or government of host nations to attend the World Cup final. While Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has confirmed he will be in attendance, Argentine President Javier Milei will not, according to reports.

FIFA to present rings

FIFA have announced that on Sunday, the World Cup champions will be crowned not only with the trophy and prestigious gold medals but also with a “new symbol of triumph.” In fact, the tournament winners will also receive championship rings, “bringing one of the most recognizable American sporting traditions to the global game.” 

FIFA stated:

“Each ring will be part of a strictly limited edition of just 2,026 individually numbered pieces, a direct tribute to the tournament itself. Of these, 30 will be presented to the victorious team, while 1,996 will be made available to fans worldwide as an Official Licensed Product, allowing supporters to own a unique piece of FIFA World Cup 2026 history. One side of the ring proudly features the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other will be customised to reflect the identity of the winning team. Each ring will be individually numbered, custom-fitted and delivered with its own certificate of authenticity.

“Immediately after the final, the captain and head coach of the winning team will receive temporary rings to commemorate the occasion. Each of the 30 rings for the winners will then be customised before being officially presented at a later date, ensuring the perfect lifelong fit for an achievement that will echo through eternity.”

“We’ve given the French a proper trashing.” In Dallas, Spanish fans were delighted, whilst French fans were disappointed, following Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in the World Cup semi-final.

Aprilia Tuareg Racing team rider Jacopo Cerutti has suffered serious leg injuries following a collision with a car during a European Tout Terrain Rally Cup Championship event.

The accident occurred when the two-time Africa Eco Race winner was competing in the sixth day of the Ro Rally Marathon in Romania. According to Aprilia, Cerutti collided with a car that was travelling in the opposite direction along the route.

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Cerutti suffered fractures to his right tibia and fibula, and the patella on his left leg. He is scheduled for surgery on July 18 at Bucharest University Hospital.

Begin Press Release:

Jacopo Cerutti involved in accident at the Ro Rally Marathon in Romania

Following a collision with a car along the special stage, Cerutti, who was not at fault, sustained fractures to the tibia and fibula of his right leg and to his left patella

Jacopo Cerutti was involved in an accident on the sixth day of the Ro Rally Marathon, the third round of the European Tout Terrain Rally Cup Championship, currently taking place in Romania. During today’s special stage, the Aprilia Tuareg Racing team rider collided with a car travelling in the opposite direction along the route.

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Cerutti was immediately assisted and admitted to Bacău Hospital, where he is currently under observation in satisfactory general condition. He sustained a displaced and fragmented complete fracture of the tibia and fibula on the right leg, and of the patella of the left side. The medical team has already performed initial stabilisation of the fractures; surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning at the Bucharest University Hospital, after which his return to Italy will be planned.

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Bryson DeChambeau insists he is “fired up” for the weekend after a controversial two-shot penalty saw the second round at The Open descend into farcical scenes.

The two-time US Open champion was expecting to be in the final group on Saturday after a 66 propelled him to seven under for the tournament, just two behind Australian Lucas Herbert after his major record-equalling lowest round of 62.

However, moments after signing his card he was informed there was an issue in relation to an infringement for improving the area for his backswing in deep rough of Royal Birkdale’s driveable par-four fifth.

Officials took him to the scene of the crime and after a long, animated discussion – which involved the 32-year-old – club in hand – attempting to show R&A officials how he had played the shot they returned to the recorders’ office where the American was issued with a two-stroke penalty.

With rumours swirling that DeChambeau was considering refusing to play on Saturday, he marched past the waiting media on his way to the practice ground and – after almost an hour hitting balls in the light of the giant screen on the range – he finally departed at 10.29pm.

He quashed the speculation he would abandon his bid for a first Claret Jug by posting on X a couple of hours later: “Obviously disappointed with the ruling. I don’t agree with it, but it is what it is. This fires me up. Onto the weekend. Let’s get it.”

On Instagram he was even more creative, posting a couple of digitally-manipulated pictures of him floating above the rough at the site of his infringement – an obvious reference to not touching the long grass – while officials discussed the ruling, accompanied by the words: “Walking into the weekend like…”

DeChambeau is expected to be back on site at the Southport links around 1.30pm ahead of his 3.30pm tee time.

After dropping to five under he will start alongside compatriot Sam Burns, who also remarkably shot a 62 on Friday.

The Open’s chief referee Grant Moir issued a detailed explanation as to why the double major winner was punished.

“Bryson has been penalised two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing, so intended backswing on the fifth hole when he was playing his second shot,” said Moir, also the R&A’s executive director – governance.

“Ruling 8.1 restricts what a player may do to improve any of the protected conditions affecting the stroke, and this includes the area of the player’s intended swing.

“So an improvement means to alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that the player gains a potential advantage for the stroke.

“I’ll stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson’s case.

“What the prohibited action here is that the player must not move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object.

“A player is allowed to fairly take their stance by taking reasonable actions to get to the ball and take a stance, if in some situations that improves the condition affecting the stroke.

“But when doing so, the player must take the least intrusive course of action to deal with the particular situation and is not entitled to a normal stance or swing.

“I would reiterate this rule applies even when there’s no intention to improve the area, as was the case with Bryson.”

Bryson DeChambeau dominated the headlines on Friday at Royal Birkdale. Unfortunately for him, it was for all the wrong reasons.

Shortly after finishing his second round, DeChambeau entered the scoring tent to put a signature on the card to finalize his four-under 66. Instead, Open Championship officials alerted him that there were questions about if he’d improved his lie when preparing to hit his second shot on the par-4 fifth hole earlier in the day.

Eventually, tournament officials shuttled DeChambeau out to the scene of the incident to tell his side of the events. But despite a spirited debate with R&A officials, DeChambeau was assessed a two-stroke penalty, dropping him from seven under to five under for the championship, leaving him three back of Lucas Herbert’s lead.

The penalty made for a controversial conclusion to the first 36 holes of the year’s final major — even leaving DeChambeau threatening to quit out of protest — and is sure to be debated throughout the remainder of the championship. Check out below for an explainer of the rule in question.

Which rule did DeChambeau break?

If you watch the video of the infraction in question, you will see that as DeChambeau walks to his ball, he tramples down the long grass in the immediate vicinity of his ball. This may seem innocuous enough, but according to the Rules of Golf, this can be grounds for a penalty.

The rule at the center of the controversy is Rule 8, which “covers a central principle of the game: ‘play the course as you find it.’” Specifically, Rule 8.1a, which states that players may not “move, bend or break any growing or attached natural object” in a way that would improve the area of your intended swing. In DeChambeau’s case, this pertains to the grass that he trampled down in the immediate area of his ball.

“Bryson has been penalized two strokes for inadvertently improving the area of his intended swing,” said chief rules referee Grant Moir. “An improvement means to alter one or more of the conditions affecting the stroke so that the players gains a potential advantage for the stroke. Now, I’ll stress that this applies even when the action is accidental, as it was in Bryson’s case.”

Even though DeChambeau did not intend to improve his lie when he walked around his ball in preparation to play the shot, the fact that doing so improved the area of his swing is grounds for a two-stroke penalty. It’s a tough break for the two-time major winner, but according to the letter of the law, the rule was applied correctly.

People First Stadium will play host to Sunday’s
Round 19 AFL game between Gold Coast SUNS and
Western Bulldogs. The game kicks off at 3:15 pm with Gold Coast SUNS heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the Gold Coast SUNS vs.
Western Bulldogs
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Sunday July 19, 2026 at 3:15 pm

Where: People First Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

Gold Coast SUNS vs Western Bulldogs Odds

Gold Coast SUNS vs Western Bulldogs Preview

Gold Coast’s fading finals hopes face another stern examination when the Western Bulldogs visit People First Stadium on Sunday. The Suns remain mathematically in the race but have struggled for consistency, with coach Damien Hardwick acknowledging his side has left itself little room for error after another disappointing defeat last week.

The Bulldogs arrive with renewed confidence and continue to be led by captain Marcus Bontempelli, whose influence through the midfield remains among the best in the competition. Gold Coast has the talent to match the Bulldogs around the contest, but defensive lapses and an inability to sustain pressure over four quarters have repeatedly proven costly. If the visitors can control clearances and limit the Suns’ transition game, they will give themselves every chance of securing another important away victory.

Aymeric Laporte has accused Argentina of dirty tricks and said referees have allowed them to get away with gamesmanship in the World Cup.

And the Spain defender warned the final could descend into chaos if Slovenian referee Slavko Vincic does not clamp down on Argentina.

The defending champions tried a variety of strategies to get under England’s skin in the semi-final, while Egypt manager Hossam Hassan accused officials of favouring Argentina following his side’s 3-2 defeat to them in the last 16.

And Laporte told Marca: “I’m not at all worried about aggression within the context of football. If it’s within the rules and the referee does their job, I have no problem with it. It is true, however, that in recent matches we’ve seen things that really surprised us – actions that were allowed to slide.

“Especially with Argentina; they’re a team that likes to leave a mark on their opponents. That sort of thing shouldn’t be allowed in football – particularly in major competitions – because it can unsettle you and make you angry. It’s the referee’s job to keep a handle on these things so the situation doesn’t get out of hand.

“If one or two players are allowed to act that way, the match descends into chaos. From the start of the tournament, we’ve been a pretty clean team in that regard. We aren’t the type to hit opponents or commit reckless fouls. And I think that’s the approach we need to take in this match. But, of course, a lot will depend on the officiating.”

Rodri has urged his teammates to ignore any of Argentina’s attempts at gamesmanship in the World Cup final and to play their own game.

The midfielder has said it is crucial that Spain do not react if they are provoked, and said he hopes Argentina play within the spirit of the game.

The Spain captain said: “That’s part of the game. We will see how game plays out. I like to think they are a team that gives their utmost and they don’t go down that road, but if we enter such a stage of the game, we have to ignore that and play our game so we do not get into provocations.”

Slavko Vinčić to referee Messi’s Argentina vs Yamal’s Spain in 2026 World Cup final showdown/ AI Image

FIFA has entrusted Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić with the biggest appointment of his career, confirming that he will officiate Sunday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup final between defending champions Argentina and Spain at New York New Jersey Stadium.The 46-year-old has spent nearly two decades climbing through European football’s refereeing ranks and now becomes the man tasked with overseeing one of the most anticipated World Cup finals in recent history. He will be assisted by fellow Slovenians Tomaž Klančnik and Andraž Kovačič, while Jordan’s Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed fourth official and Mohammad Alkalaf reserve assistant referee.For Vinčić, the appointment represents the culmination of a career built on steady progression through domestic, European and international football.

From Slovenia to football’s biggest stage

Born in Maribor, Slovenia, in 1979, Vinčić began refereeing professionally in his home country’s top division in 2007 before earning his FIFA international badge in 2010.His performances quickly established him among UEFA’s elite officials, leading to regular appointments in the Champions League and Europa League.Over the past decade, he has officiated some of European football’s biggest occasions, including the 2022 UEFA Europa League final between Eintracht Frankfurt and Rangers and the 2024 UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.Alongside his club assignments, Vinčić has become a regular at international tournaments, officiating at UEFA Euro 2020, Euro 2024, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and now the 2026 World Cup, where his performances have earned him the tournament’s showpiece fixture.According to Transfermarkt, Vinčić has officiated more than 500 senior professional matches, issuing 2,093 yellow cards, 113 red cards and awarding 117 penalties during his career.

Sunday’s final will be Vinčić’s eighth World Cup match across the last two tournaments.He first appeared at the World Cup in Qatar in 2022 before returning for four further appointments during the 2026 tournament. Those performances convinced FIFA’s refereeing department to hand him the final between Spain and Argentina.Earlier in this World Cup, Vinčić officiated Brazil’s group-stage draw with Morocco, Algeria’s victory over Jordan and Mexico’s Round of 32 win against Ecuador.

Referee Slavko Vincic, of Slovenia, talks to Ecuador’s Piero Hincapie (3) during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between Mexico and Ecuador in Mexico City, Tuesday, June 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

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That knockout fixture attracted particular attention after Vinčić dismissed Ecuador defender Piero Hincapié following a VAR review for covering his mouth while speaking to Mexico striker Santiago Giménez, marking the first red card of his major international tournament career after previously overseeing ten World Cup and European Championship matches without sending off a player.

Despite Argentina’s regular appearances at major tournaments, Vinčić has refereed Lionel Scaloni’s side only once before.That solitary meeting came in one of the most memorable matches of the 2022 World Cup, Argentina’s shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening group-stage fixture.The Slovenian official awarded Argentina an early penalty after Leandro Paredes was fouled inside the area, allowing Lionel Messi to score from the spot, and later showed six yellow cards to Saudi Arabia players.Although Argentina suffered one of the greatest upsets in World Cup history that afternoon, they recovered to win six consecutive matches and lift the trophy in Qatar.Sunday’s final will therefore be only the second Argentina match of Vinčić’s international refereeing career.

Spain, by contrast, have encountered Vinčić considerably more often, though notably, all of those meetings have come in UEFA competitions, as the Slovenian referee had never officiated Spain in a FIFA World Cup match prior to this 2026 final appointment.Before the final, he had taken charge of four matches involving La Roja, with Spain remaining unbeaten in every one of them.

Vinčić’s early assignments involving Spain came before the rise of Lamine Yamal at senior international level.His first Spain match came in a 2017 friendly against Colombia, which finished level at 2-2, before he officiated Spain’s goalless Euro 2020 group-stage draw against Sweden. He was later appointed for La Roja’s UEFA Nations League semi-final clash with Italy in 2023, where Spain secured a 2-1 victory, further highlighting his involvement in major European fixtures.Vinčić has also officiated Spain during the emergence of Lamine Yamal, including two defining matches in their Euro 2024 triumph.These included Spain’s 1-0 group-stage victory over Italy and the memorable 2-1 semi-final win over France, where Yamal scored his stunning long-range equaliser before Spain completed another comeback on their way to lifting the European Championship.Across both phases, before and after Yamal’s breakthrough, Spain have maintained a perfect record under Vinčić, remaining unbeaten in all four matches.That contrast adds an intriguing subplot to the final, with Spain yet to lose under his whistle, while Argentina’s only previous experience with the Slovenian official ended in defeat.

Career continued after 2020 police investigation

Away from football, Vinčić briefly found himself making international headlines in 2020 after he was detained during a police raid on a suspected prostitution and organised crime operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.Slovenian authorities and Vinčić consistently maintained that he had been attending a business meeting and had no involvement in any criminal activity. He was released without charge, no proceedings were brought against him and he returned to officiating shortly afterwards.His subsequent appointments to the Champions League final, European Championship, World Cup and now the 2026 World Cup final underline the confidence UEFA and FIFA have continued to place in him since that incident.On Sunday, however, none of that history will matter once the whistle blows. Vinčić will oversee only the second World Cup final ever contested between reigning champions Argentina and newly crowned European champions Spain, with football’s biggest prize and a place in history awaiting the winner.