Donald Trump says he'll attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Mexico and Canada.
An AFP reporter asked him in the Oval Office if he planned to watch any matches. Trump responded simply: "I will, I will."
He offered no specifics about which games he'd attend or when. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has already suggested Trump will feature prominently at the final on July 19.
Infantino reportedly expects the American leader to present the trophy to the winning team. The details remain unconfirmed for now.
Trump has made a habit of showing up at major football events since returning to office. He attended the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey recently.
That appearance drew mixed reactions from the crowd. Some spectators booed when cameras showed him on stadium screens.
MetLife Stadium will host the 2026 World Cup final as well. It's become central to FIFA's strategy for expanding football's footprint across America.
Under Infantino's leadership, the organisation has deepened ties with U.S. political circles. Trump credits himself with supporting the American bid for the tournament during his first term.
The president maintains a close public relationship with the FIFA chief. According to Trump, he spoke with Infantino recently about the tournament's scale.
"He said there's never been anything close" to what's expected from this World Cup, Trump noted. The statement reflected his confidence in the event's magnitude.
Yet challenges have emerged in the lead-up. Rising ticket costs have frustrated fans and officials alike.
Immigration issues have also complicated matters for some personnel trying to enter the country. These controversies could shape how smoothly the tournament unfolds.
