Donald Trump Takes Credit for Securing 2026 FIFA World Cup for US, Canada, and Mexico

Former President Celebrates Role in Winning Bid

Former U.S. President Donald Trump is once again claiming credit for the successful North American bid to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, shared between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In a recent Truth Social post, Trump said he was the one responsible for making it happen, citing his influence over voting countries during his presidency.

Trump’s Influence Over the 2026 World Cup Bid

Trump referenced a tweet he posted in April 2018, where he warned countries who sought U.S. support at the UN to also support the joint World Cup bid. This tweet sparked international conversation over the mix of sports and politics. Nevertheless, FIFA president Gianni Infantino noted that Trump's position may have played a role in solidifying support for the North American bid over rival Morocco.

What Trump Said

In his Truth Social post, Trump stated:

“Remember, it was my involvement and the call I made that helped us win the World Cup. Don’t forget that, because a lot of people already have.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino Responds

At a recent appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Infantino acknowledged that Trump's involvement created greater visibility and momentum for the bid. He referred to Trump’s direct communication with global leaders as helping to “change the dynamics” of the decision-making process within FIFA’s member countries.

Key Points from Infantino’s Comments:

• Infantino credited the backing from Trump as helping sway undecided voters.
• He said the outreach effort created a sense of urgency and global awareness.
• Infantino stressed that the final decision was still made independently by FIFA’s member nations.

North America to Host Historic Global Event

The 2026 World Cup will be notable for several reasons:

• It will be the first time three countries jointly host the tournament.
• The World Cup will expand to include 48 teams instead of 32.
• Major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Dallas are expected to be venues.

The World Cup is projected to deliver significant economic and tourism boosts to all three host nations.

Politics, Sports, and Global Influence

Trump’s recent remarks renew the debate over the role of political leaders in sports diplomacy. Whether or not his involvement was crucial, it’s clear that high-level political endorsements played a part in shaping the outcome of FIFA’s decision.

As preparations for 2026 ramp up, Trump’s comments highlight how large-scale sporting events continue to intersect with global politics and personal legacy building.