Chelsea's Club World Cup Trophy Makes Surprise Appearance in Oval Office
The recent photo shared by the White House showing US President Donald Trump meeting with world leaders in the Oval Office revealed an unexpected item on display - the Club World Cup trophy won by Chelsea in July. The trophy, which Chelsea secured by defeating Paris St-Germain in New Jersey, is now showcased in the president's office in Washington DC. Many football fans were surprised to see 'Chelsea's trophy' prominently featured in such a prestigious setting.
After Chelsea's victory in July, President Trump mentioned that he was informed he could keep the trophy as a token of appreciation for the United States hosting the tournament. However, it turns out that there are actually three Club World Cup trophies in existence. The original trophy is housed in Zurich, Switzerland, at Fifa's headquarters, while one replica belongs to Chelsea. The third version is the one displayed in the Oval Office as a tribute to the exceptional hosts of the 2025 tournament, according to Fifa.
The Club World Cup, which took place in various cities across the US, was hailed as the "world's most successful club competition" by organizers. Despite its success, the tournament faced criticism for low attendance, numerous empty seats, and concerns about weather conditions and pitch quality. In a peculiar moment, Trump presented the trophy to Chelsea but remained on stage to celebrate with the players, causing some confusion among the team.
Following Chelsea's win, Trump handed the trophy to captain Reece James and joined the players on stage, applauding as James lifted the trophy. Despite being asked to step aside by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, Trump lingered for a few moments before eventually leaving the stage. The United States, along with Canada and Mexico, is set to co-host the 2026 men's World Cup next summer, further solidifying its presence in the world of international football.