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About 48 hours before the World Cup winner was crowned, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the success of this year’s tournament.
The United States had the opportunity to host this year’s tournament, with 11 of the 16 venues hosting matches, including all quarterfinals, semifinals and the upcoming final.
“I promised you that we would have a great World Cup. And, of course, this World Cup has exceeded all expectations,” Infantino said, adding that 7 million fans have attended the matches so far, and “billions” have watched them on television.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
President Donald Trump speaks alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Andrés Harnik/Reuters)
“The American dream came true. We united the world, we united the world in the United States. When I told you that we would have a great World Cup, you told me that the United States would welcome the world. And you welcomed the world,” Infantino added.
“Everyone who came here enjoyed it, everyone who stayed home enjoyed it too. Seeing the incredible images of these beautiful host cities, of fans from all over the world coming together and enjoying themselves in peace, Mr. President, in happiness and joy. Because, I don’t know if you know this, but the official definition of FIFA is: FIFA is the official provider of happiness for humanity. [for] 120 years. We are bringing joy and happiness, unless the team loses of course. And all this, of course, would not have been possible. And I say this because it is the truth. You don’t need people to praise you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you…
President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on July 17, 2026. (Andrés Harnik/Reuters)
“This has not been and is not simply the greatest World Cup of all time. It is the greatest human, social and cultural event that humanity has ever witnessed and seen. And we are all part of it. And for this, I thank you very much, Mr. President.”
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Trump also called the event “perhaps the most successful sporting event in the history of the world.”
“It has been a true honor for Americans to share our magnificent country with the world. And today, America is stronger, richer and warmer than ever, and you are a big part of it…” Trump said.
“I think that beyond a sporting event, this has not been just a sporting event. This has been much more than a sporting event. It has been something very, very special.”
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York. Trump will attend the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. (Mandel Ngan/AFP)
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Trump and Infantino will be in the final on Sunday at MetLife Stadium and will present the trophy to the winning team, which will be Spain or Argentina.
Argentina is seeking to become the first consecutive champion since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. This is Spain’s second final, having won in 2010 in South Africa.
