Gianni Infantino tells Donald Trump that the United States could win the 2026 World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently told Donald Trump that the U.S. men’s national soccer team could win the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing the rising talent of players like Christian Pulisic and Weston McKennie.
As the world eagerly anticipates the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, recently sat down with U.S. president Donald Trump to discuss the tournament. In their meeting, Infantino expressed his optimism regarding the U.S. men’s national team, telling Trump that the country has the potential to win the World Cup in 2026. With the tournament being hosted by the U.S., Mexico and Canada, Infantino highlighted the rapid rise of American soccer and the promise shown by its top players.
Trump, who has been a vocal supporter of American sports, inquired about the chances of the U.S. team in the upcoming tournament. Infantino emphasized that the U.S. now has players who are competing at the highest levels of European club soccer, with stars like Christian Pulisic leading the charge. The FIFA president also acknowledged the country’s growing soccer culture, making it clear that the U.S. could indeed emerge as a formidable contender in 2026.
To showcase US, new White House task force to oversee 2026 FIFA World Cup preparations. Photo: Baltimore Sun.
The U.S. Men’s National Team’s rising talent
The U.S. men's national soccer team has made great strides in recent years. Players like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie and Serginho Dest have proven their abilities on the international stage, playing for some of Europe's top clubs. Pulisic, in particular, has garnered attention for his performances with Chelsea in the English Premier League, and many experts believe his leadership could play a pivotal role in the U.S.'s success during the 2026 World Cup.
The presence of these young, talented athletes is not only raising expectations but also helping to shift the perception of American soccer on the world stage. While the U.S. has historically been considered an underdog in global soccer tournaments, the 2026 World Cup presents a unique opportunity for the country to shine as the host nation, with its talented squad capable of achieving unprecedented success.
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GOAL Roundtable: Does the United States have a true soccer star?. Photo: Goal.com.
Trump’s enthusiastic support for U.S. Soccer
During the meeting, Donald Trump, who previously expressed interest in improving U.S. soccer, showed great enthusiasm about the country’s potential for success in 2026. He spoke about the importance of creating a soccer environment that nurtures talent and brings the best out of its players. Trump and Infantino even joked about enhancing the halftime entertainment during the World Cup final, highlighting their shared excitement for the event.
Though the 2026 World Cup may still seem far away, the foundations for the U.S. team’s success are being laid today. With a strong core of young players already making their mark on the global soccer scene, and with significant support from high-profile figures like Infantino and Trump, expectations for the U.S. team are undoubtedly on the rise.