Mamdani was asked whether he expected to speak with Trump or sit beside the US president at the final. His response was that his focus “estará no jogo” - on the game.
That stance reflects the unusual setting awaiting the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The venue will host a global sporting occasion, but the presence of two politically prominent figures could add another layer of attention before kick-off.
Mamdani, a declared football supporter, has already attended matches as mayor. Despite political differences with Trump, their relationship has reportedly remained broadly cordial since their meeting last year.
Trump has yet to attend a match at the tournament, but reports suggest he is expected at the final. president Gianni Infantino is also expected to be present and, according to the update, could hand the trophy to the champions.
Their relationship has attracted scrutiny after the report says Trump contacted Infantino over a red card involving United States forward Folarin Balogun. The punishment was later withdrawn, although the US team subsequently lost to Belgium.
Mamdani previously avoided expanding on that controversy, borrowing José Mourinho’s famous line: “Prefiro não falar. Se eu falar, vou ter problemas”.
The report identifies Spain, Argentina, France and England as the teams still competing for a place in the final, with the eventual pairing unresolved.
That uncertainty ensures the football will remain the main story for now. By the time the finalists emerge, however, the political backdrop surrounding the match may be impossible to ignore. The next chapter will come when the semi-finals settle who earns the right to play - and who shares the world stage in New Jersey.