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FIFA President Gianni Infantino told US President that the USA can win the 2026 World Cup
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The tournament will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico, three countries currently locked in a trade war
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Infantino presented the Club World Cup trophy to Trump at the Oval Office as they prepare to host it in the summer
FIFA President Gianni Infantino met with US President Donald Trump in the White House to discuss the 2026 World Cup and the 2025 Club World Cup.
The two tournaments will be held in the USA, and Infantino made a prediction regarding the USA in the 2026 edition.
Can USA win 2026 World Cup?
During their meeting, Trump asked Infantino if the USA can win the World Cup in 2026. The FIFA president responded optimistically.
The 47th US president asked FIFA’s boss who are the favourites to win the World Cup in North America.
“Argentina, Brazil, England, Germany, Spain,” replied Infantino via BeIn Sports.
Trump pressed him, asking if the USA can upset the odds to win it.
“The United States can win, with the support of the fans. Their players are in some of the best teams in the world.”
“So there’s a chance?” Trump asked. “Absolutely, there’s a chance.”
“He knows what to say,” quipped Trump via NBC Sports.
Trump also said he will form a task force for the 2026 World Cup, which will bring the most-watched sports in the world to North America for the first time since 1994.
USA will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, amid the geopolitical tensions between the three nations caused by Trump’s tariffs.
“I think it’s going to make it more exciting,” said Trump. “Tension is a good thing,” the president also said. “It makes it much more exciting.”
The USMNT reached the semis in the inaugural tournament in 1930. They also reached the quarter-finals in 2002.
Who could win the 2026 World Cup?
Only South American and European teams have won the World Cup since it was first played in 1930.
Argentina, Italy, Brazil, Germany, and France have won multiple tournaments, with Brazil leading with five.
Interestingly, the aforementioned teams are favourites to win the next World Cup edition.
Argentina won the last edition, but their chances will hinge on Lionel Messi’s health and hunger.
“I don’t like to accelerate time or look ahead. I try to enjoy every day. I hope I can keep playing at this level to feel good and be happy. When I get to do what I love, I am happy. I value that more than reaching the 2026 tournament,” Messi said of the 2026 World Cup via ESPN.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal have one of the best squads in the world and will likely compete, so as the European champions Spain.
World Cup half-time performance?
earlier reported that the 2026 World Cup final will have a half-time show like the NFL Super Bowl.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the news recently, but it was met with angry reactions.
