The Oval Office has undergone some noticeable changes since Donald Trump returned to the White House, but one particular addition has left people scratching their heads.
No, it’s not the infamous Diet Coke button (which, yes, he reportedly had reinstated), nor is it the alleged removal of Joe Biden’s presidential portraits.
Instead, eagle-eyed viewers spotted something surprising sitting behind Trump’s desk during a recent televised speech: what appears to be the FIFA World Cup trophy.
Wait, Isn’t the Trophy Supposed to Be in Argentina?
Given Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, many were left wondering why the most coveted prize in international football was now sitting in Donald Trump’s office. One X (formerly Twitter) user summed up the internet’s confusion, asking: “Why has Donald Trump got the World Cup?”
And the confused tweets continued.
“Trump parading the World Cup trophy that America has never won and will never win is funny to me,” wrote one person, and another jokingly asked: When did Trump win the FIFA World Cup?”
While it might seem bizarre, there is an explanation.
The trophy represents the USA’s role as co-hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, alongside Canada and Mexico.
As part of the tournament, Trump himself is set to present the real trophy to the winners after the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19, 2026.
It’s Just a Replica, FIFA Confirms
Despite Trump’s cozy relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the trophy in the Oval Office is just a replica, The Independent reports.
FIFA confirmed that the actual World Cup trophy remains under official control and is not in Trump’s personal possession.
This isn’t the first time a replica World Cup trophy has made an appearance in the White House. A similar version was seen in the Oval Office back in 2018 during Trump’s first term — though this latest one appears to be a different version.
Infantino, who publicly congratulated Trump on his re-election, has maintained a strong friendship with the U.S. president.
Following Trump’s recent inauguration, the FIFA boss even attended events in Washington, D.C., and Mar-a-Lago.
“So I am going to be your President for the Olympics and for the (FIFA) World Cup,” Trump said recently. “So Gianni, thank you for the (2026 FIFA) World Cup, and everybody, thank you for the (2028) Olympics, we are going to have a great time.”
The U.S. Prepares for Its Biggest Sporting Event in Decades
The 2026 FIFA World Cup marks the second time the United States has hosted the tournament, the first being in 1994, when Brazil lifted the trophy.
However, this time, the U.S. will take on a much bigger role, hosting most of the tournament’s 104 matches, including games in 11 of the 16 host cities.
With Trump set to play a major role in the global spectacle, it looks like he’s already getting comfortable with the idea — replica trophy and all.
