‘Would not have been such an incredible success without you’: Donald Trump gets high praise from FIFA president

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to conclude on Sunday with the final between Spain and Argentina. And according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the tournament has been a resounding success.

On Friday, United States President Donald Trump hosted a reception at Trump Tower in New York City, where he and Infantino gave some public comments on the tournament before its conclusion on Sunday afternoon. Infantino took the occasion to praise Trump and the United States for hosting.

‘United the world’

During his address at Trump Tower on Friday night, Infantino declared the 2026 World Cup a success, saying that it “exceeded all expectations.”

“I promised you we would make a great World Cup. And by all means, this World Cup has exceeded all expectations,” Infantino said at the event. “Full stadiums – 7 million people in the stadiums – tens of millions in the cities in America, in Canada, in Mexico, billions in front of their TV, everyone enjoying the game with happiness, with joy, with peace.

“The American dream, Mr. President, became a reality. We united the world.”

‘I thank you very much, Mr. President’

Infantino went on to say that the event “would not have been such an incredible success” without Trump, as he showered the President with praise.

“Everyone that came here enjoyed it, everyone that stayed home enjoyed it as well,” Infantino added. By watching the incredible images of these beautiful host cities, of the fans from all over the world coming together and enjoying in peace, Mr. President, in happiness and in joy. Because, I don’t know if you know, but the official definition of FIFA is, FIFA is the official happiness provider to humanity [for] 120 years. We are providing joy and happiness — unless the team loses, of course. And all these, of course, would not have been possible. And I say this, because it is the truth. You don’t need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you…

“This has not just been and is not just the greatest World Cup of all time. It is the greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed and seen. And we are all part of it. And for this, I thank you very much, Mr. President.”