Trump Hails FIFA World Cup 2026, Jokes About Hosting Future Tournament Without Canada and Mexico

US President Donald Trump has described the FIFA World Cup 2026 as "a tournament like no other," praising the competition's intensity and memorable moments ahead of Sunday's highly anticipated final between Argentina and Spain.

Speaking during an official FIFA reception at Trump Tower alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump reflected on one of the tournament's most talked-about incidents involving United States forward Folarin Balogun. He humorously recalled contacting Infantino after Balogun received a red card during the tournament, saying he had "made a recommendation" before FIFA later overturned the decision.

Balogun was initially handed a one-match suspension following his dismissal during the United States' Round of 32 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, FIFA later rescinded the red card under Article 27 of its disciplinary code, making the striker eligible for the Round of 16 clash against Belgium. Despite the reversal, the United States suffered a 4-1 defeat and exited the tournament.

Trump also joked that the United States should host a future FIFA World Cup without its current co-hosts, Canada and Mexico. He quipped that selecting the US as the sole host for the next edition would "take some of the anger, hatred, and steam out of everyone."

Continuing in a light-hearted tone, Trump revealed that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had floated another idea—a future World Cup jointly hosted by the United States and China. Trump laughed at the suggestion, joking that players would enjoy the "short flight" between the two countries.

The remarks came just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, where defending champions Argentina will face European champions Spain. Spain secured their place in the title clash with a 2-0 victory over France, while Argentina staged a dramatic comeback to defeat England 2-1 with a stoppage-time winner in the semi-final.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi heads into the final as the leading contender for the Golden Boot after providing two assists in the semi-final, moving ahead of France captain Kylian Mbappé in the tournament's scoring race.

With anticipation building for the championship match, the final promises to bring together two of world football's biggest powerhouses in what is expected to be one of the most exciting conclusions to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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