In a sleek Manhattan ballroom, former President Donald Trump played host to a small gathering that turned into a public endorsement of soccer’s surging appeal across the United States.
Trump’s Praise for the Beautiful Game
During the reception, the 45th president declared that Americans now love both kinds of football, a statement that underscored his long‑standing fascination with the sport and his desire to see it thrive at home.
He exchanged warm compliments with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who attended the event as a guest of honor, praising the organization’s vision for the 2026 World Cup.
A World Cup Milestone for the United States
The occasion marked the countdown to the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, signaling a historic expansion of the competition onto North American soil.
Trump highlighted the tournament as a catalyst for youth participation, infrastructure investment and a broader cultural shift that could cement soccer’s place alongside baseball and basketball in the American sporting landscape.
Observers noted that the former president’s endorsement reflects a strategic effort to align himself with a sport that is increasingly popular among younger demographics, potentially bolstering his political brand in swing states where the game is gaining traction.