The 2026 FIFA World Cup final is set to bring together Spain and Argentina in one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. Ahead of the title clash, United States President Donald Trump reflected on the competition, calling it a memorable tournament while also revisiting a controversial refereeing decision involving the US national team.
Speaking during an official FIFA reception at Trump Tower, Trump praised the tournament’s quality and shared details about a phone call he made to FIFA President Gianni Infantino after US striker Folarin Balogun was sent off earlier in the competition.
Trump calls the FIFA World Cup 2026 “A tournament like no other”
Addressing guests before Sunday’s final, Trump described the World Cup as a competition packed with memorable moments and high-level football. He specifically referred to Balogun’s red card during the United States’ Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, saying the incident prompted him to contact FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
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President Donald Trump jokes that the US should host another World Cup “without Mexico and Canada” during a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Trump Tower, also laughing about a possible US-China tournament and the “nice short flight” between games. pic.twitter.com/qKcjvR3jO4
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) July 17, 2026
“This (FIFA World Cup 2026) has been a tournament like no other, filled with fierce competition and unforgettable moments. The most unforgettable was 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 ahead of the final scheduled for Sunday (local time).
Why was Folarin Balogun’s red card overturned?
Balogun was initially handed a one-match suspension after being shown a red card in the Round of 32 fixture against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The suspension was later lifted after FIFA reviewed the case under Article 27 of its disciplinary code. The review followed interventions from Trump and the United States Soccer Federation’s legal team, allowing Balogun to return for the Round of 16 meeting with Belgium. The United States, however, were beaten 4-1 by Belgium, ending their World Cup campaign.
Trump jokes about future FIFA World Cup hosts
During his speech, Trump also joked about future World Cup hosting plans while standing alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He suggested that the United States should stage another World Cup on its own before making a light-hearted remark about the possibility of a tournament shared between the United States and China.
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“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 in China and the United States next time. We do them in China and the United States, so you have a nice short flight in between games, you know. The players would love that,” Trump said.
As the countdown to the Spain vs Argentina final continues, Trump’s remarks have added another talking point to a tournament that has already produced dramatic matches, controversial moments and memorable storylines. With the World Cup trophy now within reach for both finalists, all eyes will be on Sunday’s showdown.
FAQs
Why did Donald Trump call FIFA President Gianni Infantino?
Trump said he contacted Gianni Infantino after Folarin Balogun received a red card, which was later overturned by FIFA.
Who will play in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final?
The final will feature defending champions Argentina against European champions Spain.
