Why Donald Trump is allowed to touch World Cup trophy after fans claim he's broken 'unwritten rule'

US President Donald Trump did not break a so-called 'unwritten rule' when he patted the World Cup trophy in the opening minutes of Sunday's final, according to FIFA.

Despite his apparent love of the game, Trump did not attend a single game involving the United States at this summer's tournament, although he did get involved in the now-infamous Folarin Balogun saga.

After much speculation, the White House confirmed this week that Trump would attend the showpiece event in New Jersey.

“We look forward ⁠to the final match on Sunday, ​and I know ‌the president ‌looks forward to attending," said press secretary Karoline Leavitt. "This is a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America’s ability to host the world on the grandest stage.”

The 80-year-old's arrival at the MetLife Stadium meant that fans and members of the media, as well as stadium employees, faced lengthy queues because of tighter security checks.

Eventually, the US President was pictured alongside FIFA president and close friend Gianni Infantino as they watched the game from their seats.

And in the ninth minute, former Brazil striker Ronaldo Nazario, who was involved in the half-time ceremony with Madonna (that really happened), presented Trump with the original World Cup trophy.

Trump proceeded to tap the trophy three times before aiming a cheesy grin at Ronaldo. Fans rushed to social media claiming that the US President broke an unwritten rule by touching the biggest prize in football.

One said: "Trump touched the World Cup trophy even though only winners can touch," and a second commented: "“Did Trump just touch the trophy???? It isn’t even allowed.”

🚨🚨| The World Cup trophy was brought into US President Donald Trump’s suite for him to touch and see it. 🏆🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/vdxqbucOW4

— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) July 19, 2026

However, FIFA guidelines do not state that only previous winners can get their hands on the trophy.

Touching the original trophy is a rare privilege reserved for "a select group that includes heads of state, FIFA officials and former World Cup winners", according to FIFA.

READ MORE: World Cup winners must follow strict FIFA rule immediately after receiving trophy from Donald Trump

However, there are two high-profile cases of when that rule was broken.

Back in 2014, pop singer Rihanna was in attendance for several games at the World Cup in Brazil and for reasons still unclear, she found herself at the after-party when Germany beat Argentina in extra time.

She posed with match-winner Mario Gotze but also had a picture where she was kissed on the cheek by Bastian Schweinsteiger and Lukas Podolski while holding the World Cup.

The other case involved chef Salt Bae, who had a picture with the World Cup trophy in 2022 and received huge backlash.

Many speculated that he was invited onto the pitch due to an apparent association with Infantino, who called him a "legend" and said he was "number one" in a video at his Dubai restaurant.