Trump Celebrates World Cup as a US Victory Ahead of Trophy Presentation

U.S. President Donald Trump has described the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a victory for the United States, saying the month-long tournament proved that America has embraced football on an unprecedented scale. His remarks came ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, where he is scheduled to join FIFA President Gianni Infantino in presenting the trophy to the winning team.

Speaking during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York, Trump praised the tournament’s success, arguing that it had transformed perceptions of football in the United States.

“It turned out we were a football country, and I think it’s going to remain. This has really brought the world together,” Trump said.

The White House has portrayed the successful staging of the expanded 48-team World Cup as evidence of America’s ability to host major global sporting events. Administration officials pointed to packed stadiums, record attendances and worldwide television audiences as signs that the tournament has strengthened the country’s international image ahead of future events, including the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Trump’s appearance at the final continues his close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Earlier in the tournament, Infantino confirmed that Trump had accepted an invitation to jointly present the World Cup trophy; an honour traditionally reserved for FIFA’s president alongside the host nation’s head of state.

The tournament, however, has not been without controversy. Human rights groups and immigration advocates raised concerns before kickoff over visa processing, border restrictions and immigration enforcement that they feared could discourage some supporters from travelling to the United States. Fans also complained about expensive tickets, transportation costs and long security queues at several venues.

Security for the final has been significantly increased due to Trump’s attendance. The U.S. Secret Service and local law enforcement agencies have implemented extensive screening measures around the stadium, resulting in longer entry times for tens of thousands of spectators expected to attend the showpiece match.

Despite political tensions between the United States and some of its World Cup co-hosts, the final is also expected to serve as a diplomatic occasion. Leaders from Canada, Mexico and Spain are among those expected to attend, highlighting football’s ability to bring together nations despite broader geopolitical disagreements.

Trump has not publicly stated which team he hopes will lift the trophy. Spain enters the final unbeaten throughout the tournament, while defending champions Argentina are seeking to retain their world title behind the leadership of Lionel Messi.

As the curtain falls on one of the biggest World Cups in history, Trump’s participation in the trophy presentation underscores the growing intersection of sport, politics and diplomacy. While the final will determine whether Spain or Argentina are crowned world champions, the U.S. president has made clear that he views the tournament itself as a defining success for the United States as a global sporting host.