Trump jokes about US exit while interrupting FIFA chief at Manhattan reception
During a FIFA reception at Trump Tower, President Donald Trump interrupted Gianni Infantino to mock the United States men's team’s early World Cup elimination and suggested the U.S. host future tournaments alone.
President Donald Trump interrupted FIFA President Gianni Infantino at a reception in Manhattan to make a brief comment about the United States men's national team’s early World Cup exit. The remark came as Infantino praised the tournament’s role in bringing people together through soccer.
"Unless your team loses," Trump said after Infantino described FIFA as a "happiness provider to humanity for 120 years."
Infantino, who was standing beside the World Cup trophy, thanked Trump for his support of the event and said the tournament would not have been as successful without him. Trump described the competition as one of the "all-time greatest sporting events in history" and highlighted America’s role as host.
Trump also used the occasion to propose that the United States host the next World Cup on its own, suggesting that Canada and Mexico be excluded. He noted that Infantino had reportedly discussed a joint U.S.–China bid and joked that players would enjoy "a nice short flight in between games."
The former president also referenced his earlier involvement in the review of Folarin Balogun’s red-card suspension, praising Infantino’s decision and saying the FIFA chief would not receive credit for it.