President Donald Trump said the FIFA World Cup should return to the United States “immediately,” suggesting he would ask FIFA President Gianni Infantino to bring another tournament to the country despite the next two World Cups already being awarded.
Trump made the remarks during a pre-match interview with Fox Sports before attending Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, where he is presented the championship trophy to Spain.
‘We Have to Do This Again’
Praising the success of this summer’s tournament, Trump said the United States had demonstrated it could successfully host the world’s biggest sporting event and argued the competition should return sooner rather than later.
“Based on the numbers we will be requesting it immediately,” Trump said.
“We have to do this again, and we have to do this again while I am around, hear that Gianni?”
Trump acknowledged that such a proposal would likely generate “shock” and “anger,” but said overwhelming fan demand justified bringing the tournament back.
The president claimed attendance at this year’s World Cup exceeded expectations, with stadiums “overflowing” with fans throughout the month-long competition.
According to FIFA, the expanded 48-team tournament hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico drew approximately 6.6 million spectators, making it one of the most-attended World Cups in the tournament’s history.
FIFA Calendar Already Set
Despite Trump’s enthusiasm, FIFA has already awarded hosting rights for the next two men’s World Cups.
The 2030 tournament will be staged primarily in Morocco, Portugal and Spain, with opening matches also scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay to commemorate the competition’s 100th anniversary.
Four years later, Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 World Cup.
Current FIFA bidding rules also make another immediate American tournament unlikely. The organization generally bars countries from confederations that hosted either of the previous two World Cups from bidding for the following tournament, meaning the United States would not be eligible to host again until at least 2038.
Relationship With FIFA Draws Attention
Trump’s comments also highlighted his relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who maintained close ties with the president during preparations for the tournament.
That relationship was among several storylines surrounding this year’s World Cup, alongside debates over ticket prices, international travel and visa policies, and broader geopolitical tensions during the competition.
While Trump’s suggestion of bringing the World Cup back to the United States “immediately” appears unlikely under FIFA’s current hosting rotation, his remarks underscored his administration’s desire to capitalize on what organizers have described as one of the most successful tournaments in the event’s history.
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