President Donald Trump is set to present the World Cup trophy to the winner of Sunday’s final between Argentina and Spain, but he suggested the United States may be the tournament’s “real victor” after hosting the largest World Cup in history.
At a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday, Trump told attendees, “It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it’s going to remain. This has really brought the world together.”
For the White House, Sunday’s final marks the culmination of more than a year of logistical and diplomatic challenges shared with co‑hosts Canada and Mexico. The administration had to manage the tournament while enforcing hard‑line migration policies that barred entry to fans from several World Cup qualifier nations a tension that repeatedly drew criticism from human rights groups.
The tournament also faced backlash over high ticket prices, and Trump spent months publicly considering moving matches out of cities that refused to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. In the weeks before kickoff, disputes between local governments and FIFA over transit costs further strained preparations.
Visa controversies continued even as the first matches approached. The administration denied entry to a celebrated referee from Somalia, prompting global scrutiny. Pressure intensified after Trump launched a war with Iran, leaving officials to manage an Iranian team whose fans and some support staff were barred from entering the U.S. The team was ultimately based across the border in Tijuana.
Despite the turbulence, the U.S. has hosted massive crowds, global fan celebrations and unprecedented media attention setting the stage for a historic final and a symbolic moment when Trump hands over football’s most coveted trophy.
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