Trump back in World Cup spotlight after starring role in tournament's controversies

NEW YORK: US President Donald Trump will be back in the World Cup spotlight at Sunday's final, after taking a starring role in one of the tournament's defining dramas and with his eye on another hosting gig for America in 2038.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Trump will sit with him during the final between Argentina and Spain at New York/New Jersey Stadium and will be on hand to present the trophy to the winners, as he did at the Club World Cup last year.

Trump's appearance will come days after he confirmed that he had asked Infantino to review ​a red card issued to US striker Folarin Balogun, plunging the tournament into a firestorm of controversy over fairness and officiating.

Trump and Infantino lavished praise on each other on Friday (Jul 17) at a reception inside Trump Tower in Manhattan, where FIFA opened an office last year, on the back of the tournament that has enjoyed record-breaking attendances in its biggest-ever edition.

"This World Cup would not have been such a success without you," Infantino told Trump in front of a crowd of about 300 attendees, including Brazilian soccer great Ronaldo, FIFA officials and other dignitaries.

"It turned out we were a soccer country,” said Trump, who has regularly hosted Infantino in the White House's Oval Office.

The pair have stood steadfastly by one another through a range of controversies before and during the tournament also co-hosted by Canada and Mexico, with FIFA insisting Trump played no role in Balogun's red-card ban being suspended.

A year out from the tournament, US cities faced serious questions about how they would reassure international fans concerned by Trump's immigration crackdown and travel ban on several countries.

Months later, Trump threatened to move