Trump hails World Cup as U.S. victory as he prepares to present trophy at final
U.S. President Donald Trump attended the 2026 World Cup final to present the trophy to Spain, who defeated Argentina. Trump praised the tournament's success in the U.S. and expressed interest in hosting the event again in the future.
Why it matters
The event highlights the intersection of international sports diplomacy and the political branding of the U.S. administration during a major global event.
U.S. President Donald Trump listens as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday. Jacquelyn Martin/The Associated Press
U.S. President Donald Trump presented the World Cup trophy to Spain, the winner of Sunday’s final against Argentina. But to him, the real victor of soccer’s premier tournament just might be the United States.
“It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” Trump said Friday at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City. “This has really brought the world together.”
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