Donald Trump Takes Cheeky Swipe At USMNT During FIFA World Cup 2026 Celebration

Published 18 July 2026 · sports

Donald Trump Takes Cheeky Swipe At USMNT During FIFA World Cup 2026 Celebration Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 20:49 IST Donald Trump joked

Donald Trump Takes Cheeky Swipe At USMNT During FIFA World Cup 2026 Celebration Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 20:49 IST Donald Trump joked about the USA's World Cup exit during a FIFA reception, interrupted Gianni Infantino's speech, and proposed the United States host another tournament on its own. Rapid Read US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino (AP) Donald Trump couldn’t resist taking a playful dig at the United States’ disappointing World Cup campaign during a FIFA reception in New York on Friday. The US President interrupted FIFA president Gianni Infantino with a quip about the host nation’s early exit, drawing laughs from guests gathered at Trump Tower ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. “Unless Your Team Loses" Infantino was praising FIFA’s role in world football when Trump delivered the night’s most memorable one-liner. “Because, I don’t know if you know, but the official definition of FIFA is, FIFA is the official happiness provider to humanity for 120 years," Infantino said. “We are providing joy and happiness." Trump immediately responded: “Unless your team loses." The joke referenced the United States’ underwhelming campaign, which ended in a heavy defeat to Belgium despite the controversial reinstatement of striker Folarin Balogun following his red-card suspension.

Infantino Hails Trump’s Role The reception came two days before Trump is due to attend the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium and present the trophy to the champions. Infantino used the occasion to lavish praise on the American president, crediting him with helping make the tournament a success. “You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you," Infantino said. He went even further, describing the competition as “the greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed." Trump returned the compliments, calling the tournament “one of the all-time greatest sporting events in history." “It’s been a true honor for Americans to share our magnificent country with the world," Trump said. Fresh World Cup Hosting Proposal Trump also floated the idea of the United States hosting another World Cup on its own, joking that Canada and Mexico should be left out next time. “You should choose the United States of America again," Trump said. “This time, we will leave Canada and Mexico out." He also revealed that Infantino had suggested a future joint World Cup involving the United States and China, quipping that players would enjoy “a nice short flight in between games." Trump additionally revisited the controversy surrounding Balogun’s overturned suspension, praising Infantino for reversing the decision after publicly admitting he had called FIFA’s president to request a review.