Trump hails World Cup as US success ahead of presenting trophy to champions

US President Donald Trump is preparing to hand over the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winners of Monday’s final between Argentina and Spain, but he believes the tournament itself has delivered a major victory for the United States. 

“Turns out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain,” Trump said Friday at a FIFA event at Trump Tower in New York. “This has really brought the world together.”

The White House views the final match as the conclusion of more than a year of preparations and coordination with co-hosts Canada and Mexico for what is expected to be the largest World Cup ever held.

However, the tournament faced several challenges, including concerns over the Trump administration’s strict immigration policies that affected entry for fans and officials from some qualifying nations.

Human rights organizations had raised concerns, while the competition also faced criticism over expensive ticket prices. Trump had previously suggested relocating matches from cities that did not cooperate with federal immigration authorities. Local officials and FIFA also clashed over transportation costs in the weeks leading up to the tournament.

The administration continued to face international criticism over visa decisions, including the denial of entry to a Somali referee who had received praise for his officiating. Tensions increased further after the United States launched military action against Iran, forcing officials to deal with the Iranian team’s participation as some fans and staff members were unable to enter the country. The team was eventually based in Tijuana, Mexico.

Despite the controversies, the narrative surrounding the tournament changed as millions of fans shared positive experiences of American culture and hospitality on social media. Concerns about possible immigration raids near venues also failed to materialize.

Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said the tournament had exceeded expectations by creating not only memorable sporting moments but also significant cultural exchanges.

“We are not just talking about incredible athletic achievements on the field, but also these incredible cultural moments,” Giuliani told The Associated Press.

Trump, however, remained involved in one controversy during the tournament after calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of a disputed referee decision during the United States’ match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The referee had issued a red card to US forward Folarin Balogun, ruling him out of the following game against Belgium. FIFA later overturned the decision. Trump praised Infantino during Friday’s reception, saying the reversal was a “great decision,” although the US eventually lost 4-1 to Belgium.

Giuliani defended the administration’s intervention, saying officials had a responsibility to raise concerns about the review process. He also highlighted billions of dollars in federal investment to ensure the tournament was secure and fairly conducted.

The successful hosting of the World Cup was considered important for the United States as the country prepares to host the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and the 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

The US is also widely expected to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup. Giuliani said ensuring that “women and only women” compete in the tournament would be part of the hosting process, reflecting the Trump administration’s opposition to transgender women participating in women’s sports.

Senator Andy Kim of New Jersey, whose state will host Monday’s final, said the tournament’s positive atmosphere had outweighed logistical problems, including occasional transportation issues.

The World Cup also took place amid political tensions between the United States and its co-hosts Canada and Mexico. Trump had imposed tariffs on both countries and decided not to extend a regional trade agreement, leading to new negotiations.

On Friday, Trump again threatened tariffs on Canada over wildfire-related air pollution affecting parts of the US, joking that FIFA should choose the United States as host again — “this time, we’ll leave Mexico and Canada out.”

Despite the tensions, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney are expected to attend the final after receiving invitations from Trump.

Trump, following World Cup tradition for host nation leaders, will present the trophy after the final but has not publicly revealed which team he supports. 

Spain has had disagreements with Trump over issues including NATO defense spending and US military operations against Iran. Meanwhile, Argentine President Javier Milei has maintained close ties with Trump and his administration.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is scheduled to attend Sunday’s final, while Milei will remain in Argentina, citing superstition.