EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — President Donald Trump presented the World Cup trophy to Spain after their 1-0 victory over defending champions Argentina in the 2026 final, declaring the United States "a soccer country" after a tournament he claimed as a national triumph.
"It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it's going to remain," Trump said at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York. "This has really brought the world together."
Spain secured the title with a narrow victory over Lionel Messi's Argentina at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. After the final whistle, Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino handed the golden trophy to the Spanish players as gold confetti rained down on the pitch.
The president arrived at the stadium aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter, and watched the match from a box alongside first lady Melania Trump and Infantino. During the first half, television cameras captured Trump smiling and patting the World Cup trophy as it was held up to him in his seat.
Even before kickoff, Trump was already lobbying Infantino for another US bid to host the tournament. "I had a great idea for Gianni: You have to do two countries. Announce us again next time, and then announce another country after that. It'll take out some of the anger and the shock," Trump said on Fox Sports. "Based on the numbers, we will be requesting it again immediately."
The 2026 tournament — the first to feature 48 teams and 104 matches — was co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It was the biggest World Cup in history but faced significant challenges, including the Trump administration's hardline migration policies that barred fans from some participating countries and diplomatic tensions following the president's decision to launch military action against Iran.
Despite the controversies, the tournament was widely praised for its atmosphere. Social media buzzed with stories of international fans embracing American culture, from craft beer to tailgate traditions. Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said the event succeeded in shifting focus to "what happened on the pitch" and the "incredible cultural moments" that emerged.
Spain's King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez attended the final. Argentine President Javier Milei, citing superstition, remained at home. Trump declined to pick a side but acknowledged the difficulty of beating Argentine superstar Messi.
The victory marks Spain's second World Cup title, adding to their 2010 triumph in South Africa.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/trump-world-cup-final-ad67ea3f25163bbb1d779d17b04da115
