Gianni Infantino Praises Trump for the Success of the 2026 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino showered President Donald Trump with praise during an official reception on Friday at Trump Tower in Manhattan, just two days before the grand finale of the 2026 World Cup.

"You don't need compliments, Mr. President, but this World Cup wouldn't have been such an incredible success without your contribution," Infantino expressed to the approximately 300 attendees gathered in the iconic New York skyscraper.

The event, hosted by Trump for FIFA Council members, soccer legends, and international dignitaries, was broadcast live by the White House. Infantino seized the opportunity to reflect on the relationship between the two leaders since its inception.

"When we first met in the summer of 2018, after the hosting rights were awarded, I promised you a great World Cup. This tournament has exceeded all expectations," stated the Swiss official.

Infantino highlighted what he called historic statistics: 7 million fans in the stadiums, tens of millions more in host cities across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and billions watching from their televisions. "The American dream, Mr. President, has come true. We united the world in America," he asserted.

The FIFA President also extended his gratitude to the entire administration: "Every member of the White House, the administration, in the cities and states played a role in creating a safe, secure, and joyful environment for an event the world has never seen before."

Infantino concluded with a bold statement: "This has not only been the greatest World Cup of all time. It is the largest human, social, and cultural event humanity has ever witnessed."

Trump, in turn, described the tournament as "the greatest in history" and took the opportunity to propose a controversial idea: that the United States host again, "but this time without Mexico and Canada." He also recalled his initial doubts about soccer's potential in the country, mentioning that in 2018 he questioned Infantino with, "Are you crazy? We're not a soccer nation."

The President didn't miss the chance to reiterate his claims of fraud in the 2020 elections, stating, "They stole the election. And what did I get? The World Cup and the Olympics," to those present.

The relationship between Infantino and Trump has stirred controversy throughout the tournament. In early July, Trump admitted to personally calling Infantino to request the review of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun's red card, which barred him from playing in the round of 16 against Belgium. On July 5, FIFA overturned the suspension, a decision marked as historic and unprecedented in World Cup history.

The 2026 World Cup, the largest in format with 48 teams, 104 matches, and 16 stadiums spanning three nations, is projected to generate over $10.9 billion in revenue, making it the most profitable tournament ever.

After the Trump Tower event, the President traveled to his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, to attend Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain at MetLife Stadium, where he will present the trophy to the champion alongside Infantino, as both had previously announced.