President Donald Trump asserted on Friday, July 19, 2026, that the United States has become a "soccer country" following its co-hosting of the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. Speaking at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City, Trump said, “This has really brought the world together.”

Trump is scheduled to present the World Cup trophy to the winner of Sunday’s final match between Argentina and Spain. He suggested that the real winner of the tournament might be the United States, highlighting the event as a milestone for American soccer.

The tournament faced several controversies, including hardline US immigration policies that excluded some fans and a Somali referee. Additionally, Trump successfully appealed to FIFA to overturn a red card for a US player during a match against Belgium, which the US lost 4-1. Trump praised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the reversal, calling it “another great decision.”

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press that if the focus is on what happened on the pitch, the organizers have done their job — and he believes the outcome is even better than that.

The White House views Sunday’s final as the culmination of over a year of logistical coordination with co-hosts Canada and Mexico for what is the largest World Cup in history. The Trump administration faced pressure to ensure the tournament’s success, as the US is set to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Looking ahead, the US is largely expected to be awarded hosting rights for the 2031 Women’s World Cup. Giuliani indicated in an interview that securing those duties will involve "ensuring that, in fact, women and only women will play in that 2031 Women’s World Cup," referencing the administration’s opposition to transgender women participating in women’s sports.

Mexico City Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed she accepted a direct invitation from President Trump to attend the World Cup final on Sunday, noting that Canadian Prime Minister Carney will also be present.

Sources