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About 48 hours before a World Cup winner is announced, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino raved about the success of this year’s tournament.
The United States was awarded the opportunity to host this year’s tournament, and 11 of the 16 venues hosted matches, including all of the quarterfinals, semifinals and the upcoming final.
“I promised you that we would make a great World Cup. And in any case, this World Cup has exceeded all expectations,” Infantino said, adding that 7 million fans have attended matches so far and “billions” have watched on TV.
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President Donald Trump speaks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
“The American dream came true. We united the world, we united the world in America. When I told you we would make a great World Cup, you told me America will welcome the world. And you welcomed the world,” added Infantino.
“Everyone who came here enjoyed it, everyone who stayed at home enjoyed it too. Seeing the incredible pictures of these beautiful host cities, of fans from all over the world coming together and enjoying in peace, Mr. President, in happiness and in joy. Because, I don’t know if you know, but the official definition of FIFA is that FIFA gives the official happiness to humanity. [for] 120 years. We give joy and happiness – unless the team loses, of course. And of course all this would not have been possible. And I say this because it is the truth. You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you…
President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
“This has not just been and is not just the greatest World Cup ever. It is the greatest human, social and cultural event that humanity has ever witnessed and seen. And we are all part of it. And for this, I want to thank you very much, Mr. President.”
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Trump also called the event “the most successful sporting event perhaps 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, it is stronger and richer and warmer than ever before, and you are a big part of that…” Trump said.
“I think beyond a sporting event, this has been, this hasn’t just been a sporting event. This has been far beyond a sporting event. This has been something very, very special.”
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend a 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 attend Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium and present the trophy to the winning team, which will be either Spain or Argentina.
Argentina are looking to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. This is Spain’s second final, having won in 2010 in South Africa.
