President Donald Trump presented the 2026 World Cup trophy to Spain after their victory over Argentina on Sunday, July 19, 2026. Speaking at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday, July 18, Trump declared that the tournament had established the United States as "a soccer country," adding, "I think it’s going to remain. This has really brought the world together."

The final marked the culmination of over a year of complex logistical planning by the United States, Canada, and Mexico as co-hosts of what became the largest World Cup in history. The event faced controversy due to the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies, which barred fans from some World Cup qualifier countries from entering the US.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press that while success on the pitch was a key goal, the overall outcome was even better. Trump also praised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for reversing a decision that allowed the US team to keep a key player on the field despite a 4-1 loss to Belgium.

The Trump administration faced significant pressure to deliver a successful tournament as the US prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Additionally, the US is widely expected to be awarded the 2031 Women’s World Cup. Giuliani noted in the AP interview that securing those hosting rights would involve "ensuring that, in fact, women and only women will play in that 2031 Women’s World Cup," referencing the administration’s opposition to transgender women participating in women’s sports.

Sources