There just may be an extra athlete waiting in the wings for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That athlete? President Donald Trump.
The president announced from the Oval Office Friday that next year’s FIFA World Cup draw will be in the United States, per a Daily Wire report.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup draw “determines which teams play against each other at the beginning of competition,” the outlet reported. It will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
“The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest, most complex set of events in sports history, and the Kennedy Center will give it a phenomenal kickoff,” Trump said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organization is “proud” to being the matches to the U.S.
“We are uniting the world, Mr. President, uniting the world here, in America. And we’re very proud of that,” Infantino said.
As Trump fielded questions from reporters, one asked if he will “have a part to play.”
“Will you have a part to play on December 5th?” the reporter asked.
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“I may play,” Trump answered, as those around the room laughed.“I see the money that these soccer players — you know the soccer, we call it soccer — but I see the money that these soccer players are making. I may try and play, I’m a very good athlete.”
He then talked about his son, Barron Trump’s athleticism.
“My son — my son is a very good athlete, and he’s a good soccer player,” Trump said. “He’s on the tall side for soccer, he’s six-nine, that’s pretty tall, it’s on the tall side, but he’s good.”
He then continued talking about himself and his role in the event.
“No, I may put on shorts — I look extremely good in shorts — and join the play. No, it going to be a lot of fun, it’s going to be great,” Trump said.
As Trump brought his wit, Infantino brought gifts — the gold World Cup trophy and a personalized FIFA ticket to the 2026 final – Row 1, Seat 1, per Politico.
