The final of the FIFA World Cup 2026 had not even started when the President of the United States Donald Trump took the spotlight, making a surprise entrance at the MetLife Stadium in the presidential plane, Marine One, before taking his seat with FIFA President Gianni Infantino for the title match between Argentina and Spain.Trump’s arrival was his first official appearance at the Games and underscored the political importance of the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.Before kick-off, television cameras captured the US president holding the FIFA World Cup trophy alongside Infantino ahead of the ceremony to be held after the final whistle.In the past, Trump has also highlighted the impact of the competition on football in the United States.“It’s known that we are a soccer nation, and I think it will be,” Trump said Friday at a FIFA conference at Trump Tower in New York. “This has brought the world together.”WATCH: Donald Trump’s surprise arrival
Trump is already throwing out another chance for the US World Cup
Even before the finals began, Trump was looking beyond the 2026 tournament, urging FIFA to award another World Cup to the United States.Speaking to Fox Sports, the president joked that FIFA should announce the US hosting again immediately.“I had a big idea for Gianni: You have to do two countries. Announce it next time, and then announce another country after that. It will remove anger and fear,” said Trump.“Based on the numbers, we will be asking again soon.”Asked to predict the outcome of the Argentina-Spain final, Mr Trump refused to pick a winner but admitted it was difficult to bet on Argentina captain Lionel Messi.“I just think it’s very difficult to bet against Messi. He’s good,” he said.
