Trump Praises Infantino Ahead of Historic 2026 World Cup Draw

U.S. President Donald Trump commended FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his leadership in organizing the upcoming 2026 World Cup, during a ceremony marking a peace treaty between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo on December 5, 2023. This praise comes just days before the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 8, at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Infantino has faced scrutiny in recent months, with critics suggesting he has aligned too closely with Trump, particularly as the U.S. prepares for what is expected to be the most logistically complex World Cup to date. The tournament will feature an expanded format, including 48 teams, and will be jointly hosted across three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

During the ceremony, Trump highlighted the unprecedented ticket demand for the World Cup, stating, “We have sold more tickets than any country anywhere in the world at this stage of the game.” According to FIFA, over one million tickets have already been purchased, attracting fans from 212 countries, a figure that indicates a strong global interest in the event.

Record Ticket Sales and Global Recognition

Trump’s remarks emphasized the historic nature of the tournament, with ticket sales reported to have “broken all records.” The president acknowledged Infantino’s efforts, saying, “Gianni, thank you very much. You’ve done a fantastic job, a great leader in sports and a great gentleman.” This sentiment is significant as the FIFA president prepares for his third men’s World Cup, having previously overseen tournaments in Russia in 2018 and Qatar in 2022.

The upcoming draw will determine the group-stage allocations for the participating teams, a momentous occasion set to occur in a venue that has hosted numerous prestigious events. As anticipation builds, FIFA plans to unveil a new peace prize during the draw ceremony, with Trump likely being recognized for his diplomatic efforts, particularly in relation to recent Middle Eastern negotiations.

Infantino did not make any public comments following Trump’s praise, but his leadership continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of international football. The 2026 World Cup promises to be a landmark event, not only for its expanded format but also for its potential to foster unity across nations through the universal language of sport.

With the tournament set to span across 16 cities from Vancouver to Mexico City, the forthcoming draw will mark a significant milestone in World Cup history, bringing together teams and fans from around the globe in a shared celebration of football. As the event approaches, the world watches closely, eager to witness the unfolding of this historic chapter in sports.