Melania Trump brought effortless elegance to the FIFA World Cup final on Sunday as she joined her husband, President Donald Trump, for one of the biggest sporting events of the year.
The First Lady, 56, cut a chic figure at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where Spain secured a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina to lift football’s most coveted prize.
Melania embraced understated sophistication in an all-white ensemble, pairing loose-fitting tailored trousers with a crisp white top.
She added a patriotic twist with a khaki bomber jacket featuring red, white and blue striped detailing on the sleeves, while oversized mirrored aviator sunglasses completed the polished look. Her signature honey-blonde hair was styled in soft, beachy waves.
Standing beside her, President Trump, 80, opted for a classic navy suit, white shirt and his trademark bright red tie.
The couple appeared relaxed throughout the afternoon, chatting animatedly with fellow VIPs before kick-off. The Trumps watched the final from an executive suite alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
One touching moment came during Jennifer Hudson’s performance of the US national anthem before the match.
© FIFA via Getty ImagesMelania stood with her hand over her heart, while the President saluted as the anthem played inside the packed stadium.
Following Spain’s victory, King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia joined the celebrations on the pitch as they presented the World Cup trophy to the jubilant Spanish squad.
Before the match, President Trump admitted he believed Argentina had the edge, largely because of captain Lionel Messi.
Speaking to Fox News on the FIFA red carpet, he said: “It’s hard to bet against Messi.”
© AFP via Getty ImagesHe continued: “I watched that pass. I guess you’d call it a pass. It was exactly perfect.
“It takes some talent to hit the ball off the head coming at that speed, but that was perfect.
“I watched also, just before that, the way he got away from the defender. He was very well defended. All of a sudden, he’s standing by himself and he kicked it perfectly. It’s hard to bet against Messi. He’s great.”
Trump also spoke warmly about his friendship with Argentine President Javier Milei ahead of the final.
© ANP via Getty ImagesThe President’s attendance meant security at MetLife Stadium was tighter than ever. Fans reportedly waited more than four hours to enter the stadium as airport-style screening measures were introduced for the high-profile event, which was watched by billions around the world.
Despite the lengthy queues outside, the atmosphere inside remained celebratory as world leaders, sporting icons and celebrities gathered to watch football’s showpiece occasion.
The appearance also places Trump among a small group of US presidents to have attended a World Cup final. Bill Clinton famously watched the United States win the Women’s World Cup in 1999, while Joe Biden attended a men’s World Cup match during his time as vice president.
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