President Trump Comments on Soccer and International Sports

During a visit to the FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium, President Trump made a humorous remark about renaming soccer as “football” to align with global terminology. He attended the match where Chelsea FC narrowly defeated Paris Saint-Germain FC, describing the outcome as “a bit of an upset.”

Despite the game’s outcome, Trump was notably enthusiastic when a reporter proposed the idea of issuing an executive order to officially change the name of soccer in the U.S. to football, saying, “I think we could do that.”

Invited to the event by FIFA President Gianni Infantino— a longtime friend—Trump expressed his pride in witnessing soccer’s rising popularity in the U.S. and hopes it will soon match the country’s standing in other major fields. He highlighted recent international trips to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, noting that leaders there have observed the U.S.’s recovery from political and economic setbacks, citing, “your country was dead, and now you have the hottest country in the world.”

He also joked about FIFA leaving a new Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, which he joked had to be replaced after Infantino left it as a gift that matches his signature gilded decor.

Trump praised the increasing global engagement with FIFA, including the U.S. hosting efforts for future World Cups, with the 2026 final scheduled at MetLife Stadium. He emphasized that international sports foster unity, stating, “Sports are about bringing countries together and creating love between nations, making it the most international sport that can really bring the world closer.”

Trump also acknowledged football legend Pelé as his personal “Greatest Of All Time” (GOAT), recalling seeing Pelé play when he was younger and expressing admiration for the late star’s legacy.