US President Donald Trump on Friday praised the FIFA World Cup 2026 as "a tournament like no other," describing it as a competition filled with memorable moments and fierce competition ahead of Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain.
Get breaking news anytime, anywhere. Download the TOI app now!
Speaking at an official FIFA reception at Trump Tower alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump recalled calling Infantino after US forward Folarin Balogun was shown a red card during the tournament, saying he had lodged a complaint before the decision was overturned.
"This (FIFA World Cup 2026) has been a tournament like no other, filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments. The most unforgettable is when they gave that gentleman (US forward Folarin Balogun) a red card. I was forced to call FIFA President Gianni Infantino and just make a recommendation. I said, I'd like to wage a complaint. I had no idea what was going to happen. But, know, so much better the way it worked out because there's no controversy. They won the game and our team had all of its players. You made another great decision," Trump said.
Balogun had received a one-match suspension after being sent off during the United States' Round of 32 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. FIFA later rescinded the red card, citing Article 27 of its disciplinary code, allowing him to feature against Belgium in the Round of 16. The United States, however, lost 4-1 and exited the tournament.
Trump also joked that the United States should host another FIFA World Cup without its current co-hosts, Mexico and Canada. He also laughed about Infantino's suggestion of a future tournament jointly hosted by the United States and China.
"What we should do is, you should choose the United States of America again, this time we'll leave Mexico and Canada out. But then what you do is you - which I was very nice to get them in - but what we do is, you leave - you choose us, but you pick somebody else for the next one, and that would take some of the anger, hatred, and steam out of everyone. But Gianni also had another idea, he said we could do it China and the United States for next time. We do them China, United States, so you have a nice short flight in between games, you know. The players would love that," Trump said.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 final will see defending champions Argentina face European champions Spain after their respective semi-final victories. Spain beat France 2-0 to reach the title clash, while Argentina came from behind to defeat England 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi enters the final leading the Golden Boot race, moving ahead of France captain Kylian Mbappe after providing two assists in the semi-final victory over England.
