Trump basks in World Cup spotlight, says US should host alone next time

Administration Trump basks in World Cup spotlight, says US should host alone next time Comments: by Sarah Davis - 07/18/26 9:39 AM ET Comments: Link copied by Sarah Davis - 07/18/26 9:39 AM ET Comments: Link copied

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President Trump wants the U.S. to host the World Cup again, but next time he suggested the country should do it alone.

The president celebrated the success of this year’s tournament at the FIFA World Cup reception in New York City’s Trump Tower on Friday evening ahead of the final match between Argentina and Spain.

“You should choose the United States of America again. This time we will leave Canada and Mexico out,” the president said, directing his comment to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

After this, the president said FIFA should “pick somebody else” to “take some of the anger, hatred and steam out of everyone.”

The sports federation has already selected its next host countries for the tournament, which is held every four years. The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted jointly by six countries: Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

The president also referenced his controversial decision to call Infantino and “make a recommendation” against a red card penalty for U.S. player Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, resulting in his suspension being reversed.

The move angered soccer fans around the globe and sparked allegations of corruption against the federation. Trump called it an “unforgettable” moment.

“You know, it was so much better the way it worked out because there’s no controversy,” he said, referring to the red card reversal. “They won the game, and our team had all of its players.

“You made another great decision, if you think about that. No, you’ll never get credit for it,” he said to Infantino.

The tournament’s final game between Argentina and Spain will be held at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The president will help present the championship trophy to the match’s winner.

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