Trump and Infantino say the 2026 World Cup exceeded all expectations
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Nearly 48 hours before the World Cup winner was crowned, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the success of this year’s tournament.
The United States was given the opportunity to host this year’s tournament, with 11 of the 16 venues hosting matches, including the quarterfinals, semifinals and the upcoming final.
“I promised you that we would have a great World Cup. And this World Cup certainly exceeded all expectations.” Infantino said, adding that 7 million fans have watched the matches so far and “billions” of people have watched them on television.
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President Donald Trump speaks alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA reception held at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
“The American dream has come true. We united the world, we united the world in America. When I told you that we were going to have a great World Cup, you told me that America would welcome the world. And you welcomed the world,” Infantino added.
“Everyone who came here enjoyed it, and those who stayed at home enjoyed it too. Watching the incredible sights of these beautiful host cities, where fans from all over the world came together and enjoyed themselves in peace, happiness and joy. Because I don’t know if you know, but the official definition of FIFA is: FIFA is the official purveyor of happiness to humanity. [for] 120 years. Of course, we provide joy and happiness as long as the team does not lose. And of course all this would not be possible. And I say this because it’s the truth. You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but without you this World Cup wouldn’t be such an incredible success…
President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
“This was not and is not the greatest World Cup of all time. It is the greatest human, social and cultural event that humanity has ever witnessed and seen. And we are all a part of it. Thank you very much for that, Mr. President.”
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Trump also called the event “perhaps the most successful sporting event in the history of the world.”
“It has been a true honor for Americans to share our great country with the world. And today, America is stronger, richer and warmer than ever before, and you are a big part of it…” Trump said.
“I think it was beyond a sporting event, this wasn’t just a sporting event. This was way beyond a sporting event. This was something very, very special.”
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York. Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)
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Trump and Infantino will appear in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium and will hand the trophy to the winning team, either Spain or Argentina.
Argentina are aiming to become the first Brazilian team to win back-to-back wins since 1958 and 1962. This will be Spain’s second final, having won in South Africa in 2010.
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