How the 2026 World Cup Became a Big Win for the U.S. (Even If They Didn’t Win the Game)

What’s Happening with the World Cup?

Imagine the biggest soccer tournament in the world, called the World Cup. In 2026, it is being held in three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. It is the largest World Cup ever.

• The final game is on Sunday, between Argentina and Spain.
• U.S. President Donald Trump plans to hand the shiny winner’s trophy to the champion.
• But Trump says the “real winner” of the tournament might be the United States itself.

Important Point: Trump said on Friday at a FIFA party in New York’s Trump Tower: “It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think we’re going to stay one. This really has united the world.” (FIFA is the group that runs world soccer.)

The Long Road to the Big Game

For the White House (where the U.S. president works), Sunday’s match is the finish line after more than a year of hard work with Canada and Mexico.

Here are some challenges they faced:

• They had to solve many logistics puzzles (like where people go and how they get there).
• Trump’s strict immigration rules (rules about who can enter the country) stopped some fans from certain countries from coming in.
• Human rights groups warned about problems.
• Tickets were very expensive, and people complained.
• Trump joked about moving games out of cities that didn’t help federal immigration officers.
• Local leaders argued with FIFA about costly transport.

Visa Troubles and Global Side-Eye

While getting ready, the U.S. government was watched closely by the world because of visa choices (permissions to enter the country).

• A referee from Somalia who was praised for his work was denied entry.
• After Trump started a war with Iran, Iranian fans and some support staff were not allowed in the U.S. They stayed across the border in Tijuana, Mexico.

How the Story Changed

Even with worries, the bigger World Cup story flipped to something happy.

• Social media filled with fans from everywhere enjoying U.S. snacks and habits, like beer and ranch dressing (a tasty dip).
• Some fears, like immigration officers arresting people near games, never happened.

Andrew Giuliani, who leads the White House FIFA Task Force (a team for the event), said:

“One of the things we talked about beforehand was if we’re talking about what happened on the field, then we’ve done our job… but I think it’s even better than that,” because people also share amazing cultural moments.

A Phone Call That Caused Drama

Trump made a controversial call to FIFA chief Gianni Infantino (who has become friendly with Trump and been criticized for it).

Here is what happened in steps:

1. Early this month, Trump called Infantino.
2. He asked to review a referee decision in the U.S. vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina game.
3. The ref gave a red card (a punishment) to U.S. star Folarin Balogun, so he couldn’t play the next game vs. Belgium.
4. FIFA later reversed the decision (took it back).
5. Trump told Infantino at the Friday party he made “another great decision” because the U.S. kept a key player, though the team lost 4-1 to Belgium.

Giuliani said the government had a “duty” to ask about the ref process, which used video review and slow-motion replay. He said Trump’s team spent billions in federal money to make the World Cup safe, welcoming, and fair.

Why This Matters for Future Events

The U.S. really needed this World Cup to go well because:

• Los Angeles will host the 2028 Summer Olympics.
• Salt Lake City will host the 2034 Winter Olympics.
• The U.S. is likely to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

Giuliani said part of hosting means making sure “women and only women will play” in that 2031 event, showing Trump’s opposition to transgender women in female sports.

What Others Say

Senator Andy Kim, a Democrat from New Jersey (where the final is held), is a huge fan.

• He says logistics mostly went smoothly, with some transport hiccups.
• He says the joy and excitement “overwhelmingly” beat any negatives. He watched games with his two little kids.

Friends and Fights with Neighbors

The U.S. had tensions with co-hosts Canada and Mexico.

• Trump placed heavy tariffs (extra taxes on goods) on both and let a trade pact expire, starting new talks.
• On Friday, he threatened Canada with tariffs over forest fires that hurt U.S. air quality, even near the final.
• He joked FIFA should pick the U.S. again and “leave out Mexico and Canada.”

Still, Mexico’s president Claudia Sheinbaum and Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney will attend the final at Trump’s invite, showing soccer can rise above political fights.

Important Point: Sheinbaum said she accepted Trump’s direct invite, and Carney will be there too.

Who Gets the Trophy?

Trump will give the trophy to the winner, as hosts usually do.

• He hasn’t said a favorite team.
• Spain annoys Trump for low NATO defense spending and not allowing U.S. attacks on Iran from its bases.
• Argentina’s president Javier Milei is a Trump favorite; Trump even threatened aid cuts if Milei’s coalition lost elections.
• Spain’s leader Pedro Sánchez will attend; Milei stays home due to superstition.

Summary

The 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico was huge and had many challenges: strict visa rules, high prices, and neighborly trade fights. But fans enjoyed U.S. culture, scary predictions didn’t come true, and the event is seen as a win for America’s image. Trump will hand the trophy to Argentina or Spain on Sunday, and the success helps the U.S. prepare for future Olympics and possibly the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

FAQ

Q: What is the World Cup?
A: It is the biggest international soccer tournament. In 2026, it is the largest ever and is hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Q: Why did some people worry about the U.S. hosting?
A: Because of strict immigration rules, denied visas (like for a Somali referee), expensive tickets, and arguments with cities and neighbor countries.

Q: Did the worst fears come true?
A: No. Fans had fun with U.S. food and culture, and feared immigration raids near games did not happen.

Q: What was the Trump phone call about?
A: Trump asked FIFA’s boss to review a red card given to a U.S. player. FIFA reversed it, letting the player stay for the next match.

Q: Who will be at the final?
A: Trump, Spain’s leader, Mexico’s president, and Canada’s prime minister. Argentina’s president will not attend for superstitious reasons.