The 2026 FIFA World Cup finals have not yet begun, but US President Donald Trump has been in the spotlight. He made a dramatic appearance at MetLife Stadium aboard the presidential helicopter “Marine One” and then sat with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to watch the championship match between Argentina and Spain.Trump’s arrival, his first appearance at a tournament during the World Cup, underscores the political significance of a joint hosting effort by the United States, Canada and Mexico.Before kick-off, television cameras captured the US president holding the iconic FIFA World Cup trophy alongside Infantino and presiding over the presentation ceremony after the final whistle.Trump had earlier reflected on the impact of the World Cup on American soccer.“It turns out we are a football nation, and I think it’s here to stay,” Trump said Friday at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York. “It really brings the world together.”WATCH: Donald Trump’s dramatic arrival
Trump has once again proposed the United States’ bid to host the World Cup
Even before the final began, Trump was looking beyond the 2026 World Cup, publicly urging FIFA to award another World Cup to the United States.The president joked in an interview with Fox Sports that FIFA should immediately announce another U.S. bid to host the tournament.“I have a great idea for Jani: You have to do two countries. Announce us next time, and then announce another country. That will take away some of the anger and shock,” Trump said.“Based on these numbers, we will immediately make another request.”Asked to predict the outcome of the Argentina-Spain final, Trump declined to pick a winner but admitted it would be difficult to bet against Argentina captain Lionel Messi.“I just think it’s hard to bet against Messi. He’s great,” he said.
