Infantino Says World Cup 2026 Exceeded Expectations

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised US President Donald Trump and his administration for their role in the successful staging of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a joint appearance at the White House ahead of the tournament's final weekend.

Infantino said the tournament had surpassed expectations and credited the United States, along with co-hosts Canada and Mexico, for delivering a memorable event that united football fans from across the globe.
Recalling a promise he made to Trump in 2018, Infantino said he had assured the US President that America would host a remarkable FIFA World Cup.

"This World Cup has exceeded all expectations. Full stadiums, seven million people in the stadium, 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, and the American dream, Mr. President, came to reality," Infantino said.
He added that the tournament had brought people together from every corner of the world.

"We united the world in America. When I told you we will do a great World Cup, you told me America will welcome the world. And you did welcome the world," he said.

The FIFA President also expressed gratitude to the White House, local governments, security agencies and officials for ensuring the tournament was organised smoothly and safely.

"This World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you. Your administration, every single person in the White House, contributed to creating this safe, secure and joyful environment," Infantino said.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, drew millions of spectators to stadiums and host cities while attracting billions of television viewers worldwide, making it one of the biggest football tournaments in history.