A New Era for Soccer in the United States
Former president Donald Trump joined FIFA chief Gianni Infantino for a reception in New York City, where the two discussed the growing appetite for soccer in the United States and the record‑breaking audience numbers that have accompanied recent World Cup matches.
Trump, who once questioned whether the country would ever embrace the sport, now describes the United States as a 'soccer country', pointing to the 33.09 million viewers who tuned in for the USA‑Belgium game and the 44 million who watched England‑Mexico, both all‑time highs for American audiences.
Infantino praised the Trump administration’s role in fostering a vibrant atmosphere around the tournament, highlighting the positive energy that has accompanied the games and noting the recent reversal of a controversial red‑card decision in the USA‑Belgium match that was welcomed by fans.
During the conversation, Trump took a light‑hearted jab at England’s semifinal performance, suggesting the team had been overly cautious, while also commending his son Barron for his early soccer talent and the joy he found in watching the sport grow.
The exchange underscored a broader narrative: a once‑skeptical administration now celebrates soccer’s rise, using the sport as a cultural bridge that resonates with a new generation of fans across the nation.