FIFA World Cup 2026: US President Trump says 'a tournament like no other'
New York, July 18
US President Donald Trump praised the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a tournament full of memorable moments, calling it "a tournament like no other."
Addressing an official FIFA reception at Trump Tower, Trump, on Friday, described the tournament as one filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments. He also recalled calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to complain after US forward Folarin Balogun was shown a red card, before adding that everything ultimately worked out, with "no controversy."
"This (FIFA World Cup 2026) has been a tournament like no other, filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments. The most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman (US forward Folarin Balogun) a red card. I was forced to call FIFA President Gianni Infantino and just make a recommendation. I said, I'd like to wage a complaint. I had no idea what was going to happen. But, know, so much better the way it worked out because there's no controversy. They won the game and our team had all of its players. You made another great decision," Trump said ahead of the final scheduled for Sunday (local time)
Notably, FIFA handed a one-match ban to Balogun after being shown a red card during his side's win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32, but interventions from US president Trump and a legal team of US Soccer saw the red card rescinded, with FIFA citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code to allow him to face Belgium in the last 16, where the co-hosts lost 4-1 and suffered the World Cup exit.
Following their respective semi-final victories, defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to face off in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash between great Lionel Messi and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal.
Trump joked that the United States should host another FIFA World Cup "without Mexico and Canada" while standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during his address. He also laughed about Infantino's suggestion of a future US-China tournament, quipping that players would enjoy the "nice short flight" between matches.
"What we should do is, you should choose the United States of America again, this time we'll leave Mexico and Canada out. But then what you do is you - which I was very nice to get them in - but what we do is, you leave - you choose us, but you pick somebody else for the next one, and that would take some of the anger, hatred, and steam out of everyone. But Gianni also had another idea, he said we could do it China and the United States for next time. We do them China, United States, so you have a nice short flight in between games, you know. The players would love that," Trump said.
Spain secured their place in the title clash with a 2-0 win over France, while Argentina produced a comeback to defeat England 2-1 after trailing 1-0, with a stoppage-time winner sealing their passage to the final.
Messi heads into the championship match at the top of the Golden Boot standings, edging France captain Kylian Mbappe after registering two assists in Argentina's semi-final victory over England.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Trump joking about hosting without Mexico and Canada is so on-brand. But as an Indian, I wonder when we'll ever get to host a World Cup. We've got the passion and infrastructure is improving. Also, that 'nice short flight' between US and China joke had me rolling 😂
Regardless of politics, this has been an incredible tournament. The Argentina vs England semi was edge-of-the-seat stuff. Messi showing why he's the GOAT even at this stage. And Lamine Yamal is something else - 17 years old playing in a World Cup final! Future is bright for football.
I get that hosting brings prestige, but Trump's 'leave Mexico and Canada out' comment feels disrespectful to the partnership that won the bid. Football should unite, not divide. That said, the quality of football has been top-notch. Spain vs Argentina final is a fitting climax.
As someone who follows cricket primarily but loves football too, this World Cup has been amazing for the neutral. No African or Asian team made it deep, but the Argentina-England match was pure drama. And Trump calling the president to complain about a red card - only in America! 🇺🇸⚽
Can we talk about how Messi is still carrying that Argentina team at his age? Insane. And the Yamal kid is a phenomenon. Final should be a classic. But Trump's interference with FIFA's decision-making is troubling - he literally got a ban overturned by picking up the phone. That's not how sport should work.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.