World Cup 2026: Gianni Infantino credits President Donald Trump for tournament’s ‘incredible success’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has lavished praise on United States President Donald Trump for his contribution to the organisation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting the tournament would not have achieved the same level of success without his direct involvement.

Speaking alongside Trump at a reception at Trump Tower in New York ahead of Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Infantino thanked the US administration and government officials at different levels for their work in staging the expanded 48-team tournament. FIFA has described the competition as having “exceeded all expectations,” pointing to record attendance and strong global television audiences.

Infantino reserved particular praise for Trump, crediting the US President with playing an important role in the organisation of the tournament.

“All this would not have been possible, and I say this because it’s the truth, because you don’t need people to compliment you Mr. President, this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you.”

The FIFA chief then encouraged those gathered at Trump Tower to applaud the President before describing the World Cup as an event that had brought people together on an unprecedented scale.

“This is the greatest human, social and cultural event mankind has ever witnessed. For this, I thank you. One country will be world champion but the world has already won, America has won, FIFA has won,” Infantino said.

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is the largest edition in the competition’s history, featuring 48 national teams. Around 6.7 million spectators have attended matches during the tournament, according to figures highlighted during the reception.

Trump responded by praising Infantino and the wider FIFA team for their efforts in delivering the competition.

The US President described Infantino by saying “there is no one else like him” before thanking “the entire FIFA team for their incredible work.”

Trump also reflected on the scale of the tournament and its impact in the United States.

“This might be the most successful sporting event in world history.”

The comments come just days before the World Cup reaches its conclusion, with defending champions Argentina set to face Spain in Sunday’s final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Infantino has repeatedly hailed the tournament’s impact, arguing that the competition has succeeded in bringing supporters from across the globe together. With record crowds and significant worldwide interest, the FIFA president believes the 2026 edition has achieved its wider objective of using football to unite people beyond the action on the pitch.