Donald Trump 'given permission' to muscle in on World Cup celebrations

Fifa are understood to have given its approval for Donald Trump to personally hand the World Cup trophy to the victorious captain at the tournament final on July 19, departing from standard presentation customs.

Trump has reportedly received word that Fifa wishes him to present the prestigious trophy to whichever nation wins the tournament.

Under normal circumstances, the World Cup is positioned on a plinth before being collected by a member of the winning squad as they walk to the podium.

However, the 80-year-old will be permitted to deliver it directly into the captain's hands.

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The arrangement echoes the unusual scenes witnessed at the Club World Cup, where Trump positioned himself alongside Chelsea skipper Reece James as the defender hoisted the silverware aloft.

James hesitated before lifting the trophy, expecting the President to move out of the way.

Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer appeared visibly confused when Trump did not leave, appearing to say: "What's he doing?"

The ceremony also took place at MetLife Stadium, the same New Jersey venue that will host next month's World Cup showpiece.

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According to talkSPORT, the decision on whether to remain amongst the players or head to the stands will be left entirely to Trump's discretion.

Sources within the White House reportedly anticipate that the President will opt to stay immersed in the celebrations rather than withdrawing to the background.

Trump was absent from the United States' tournament opener, which ended up in a 4-1 victory against Paraguay.

The President marked both his 80th birthday and America's 250th anniversary on Sunday by hosting a UFC event on the White House lawn.

The US put on an incredible performance in their opening game, with Paraguay no match for the co-hosts.

After just eight minutes, the US had their first goal of the tournament after a dangerous ball flashed across the box before an unfortunate touch from defender Damian Bobadilla diverted it into his own net.

Folarin Balogun slotted home to make it 2-0 after Pulisic pulled the ball back for the Monaco striker to fire home.

The former Arsenal man got his second of the game, cutting inside onto his left foot before curling a stunning effort into the top corner.

Paraguay pulled one back in the second half after former Newcastle forward Miguel Almiron played it to Julio Enciso, who put Mauricio in behind, and he made no mistake with the finish.

The US had their fourth just before full-time, with Giovanni Reyna picking up the ball on the edge of the box before unleashing a wicked effort with the outside of his right boot.

An incredibly convincing display by the US, which sent a message to the rest of the competition.

Speaking afterwards, Pochettino said: "So, so proud. Players and staff deserved big credit for this performance.

"The most important is the performance and the feeling. We know it is only the start, and it is nothing. It is only one game. Now we need to be intelligent to keep [going] in that direction."

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