From Super Bowl to World Cup: The major sporting events Trump has attended in his 2nd term
President Donald Trump has prioritized attending huge sporting events during his second term.
Ryan Cooper 
Throughout his second term, President Donald Trump has consistently made high-profile appearances at major sporting events across the country. As he prepares to make history this Sunday as the first U.S. president to attend a men’s World Cup final—a showdown between Argentina and Spain—it is clear that the sports arena has become a significant stage for his administration since he returned to office in January 2025.
From the Super Bowl to the Speedways
Trump’s commitment to high-stakes athletics kicked off early in his term. On February 9, 2025, he became the first sitting president to attend a Super Bowl in New Orleans. The visit followed a somber start to the year in the host city, where a New Year’s Day terrorist attack claimed 14 lives. Trump spent time meeting with victims' families before the game. His departure shortly into the second half sparked widespread debate, with many speculating he left early due to the Kansas City Chiefs trailing in the score.
Motorsports also saw a presidential presence when Trump attended the 2025 Daytona 500, marking a return to the track he previously visited during his first term. His motorcade famously took a ceremonial lap around the Daytona International Speedway, highlighting his continued interest in the sport.
Combat Sports and Soccer Stints
The President has cultivated a strong rapport with UFC leadership. He made appearances at several fights, including an April 2025 event at Miami’s Kaseya Center alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The duo was also spotted together at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, in June 2025. This affinity for the sport was further cemented when the White House hosted a fight on the South Lawn to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary on June 14, 2026.
Soccer has also provided memorable moments, though not without controversy. During a FIFA Club World Cup celebration, Trump awkwardly joined the Chelsea FC stage. Chelsea winger Cole Palmer later noted via USA TODAY that the team was confused by his presence on the podium during the trophy lift.
Security Snarls and Sporting 'Curses'
Presidential attendance has occasionally brought logistical challenges. The 2025 U.S. Open men’s tennis final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was delayed by 30 minutes due to intense security measures. Furthermore, reports surfaced that organizers requested broadcasters censor negative crowd reactions to the President.
Most recently, basketball fans suggested a presidential curse after his appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The New York Knicks, who faced the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden, were met with severe venue restrictions, including a cancelled watch party and bag bans. After being loudly booed during the national anthem, the Knicks proceeded to break their 13-game winning streak, suffering their only loss of the series that night.
