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About 48 hours before the World Cup winner was crowned, President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino congratulated themselves on the success of this year’s tournament.
The United States had the opportunity to host this year’s tournament, and 11 of the 16 venues hosted 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 during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York, July 17, 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
“The American dream has come true. We united the world, we united the world in America. When I told you we would have a great World Cup, you told me America would welcome the world. And you welcomed the world,” Infantino added.
“Everyone who came here enjoyed it, everyone who stayed home enjoyed it too. Looking at the incredible images of these beautiful host cities, fans from all over the world coming together and enjoying in peace, Mr. President, in happiness and joy. Because, I don’t know if you know this, but the official definition of FIFA is that FIFA is the official provider of happiness for humanity. [for] 120 years old. We bring joy and happiness – unless the team loses, of course. And of course, none of this would have been possible. And I say that because it’s the truth. You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr President, but this World Cup wouldn’t have been such a success without you…
President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York, July 17, 2026. (Andrew Harnik/Reuters)
“This has not only been and is not only 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 that, 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 great country with the world. And today, America is stronger, richer and hotter than ever, and you are an integral part of it…” Trump said.
“I think beyond a sporting event, this hasn’t just been a sporting event. It’s been way beyond a sporting event. It’s 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 present at the final at MetLife Stadium on Sunday and will present the trophy to the winning team, which will be Spain or Argentina.
Argentina is hoping to become the first back-to-back winners since Brazil in 1958 and 1962. This is Spain’s second final, after winning in 2010 in South Africa.
