'Leave Mexico and Canada out': Trump pitches plan to host another FIFA World Cup in US
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: President Donald Trump said on Friday, July 17, that the United States should host another FIFA World Cup in the future, suggesting the tournament return without Canada and Mexico as co-hosts.
Speaking alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump praised the success of the expanded 2026 tournament while offering ideas for future editions. The remarks came as FIFA prepared for the final between Argentina and Spain after a tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Trump proposes another US-hosted FIFA World Cup
Addressing guests at Trump Tower, Trump encouraged FIFA to award another men's World Cup to the United States after the conclusion of the current tournament.
"I say, what we should do is, you should choose the United States of America again. This time we'll leave Mexico and Canada out," Trump said.
The president added that FIFA could rotate the following tournament elsewhere.
🔥 LMFAO! President Trump suggests the world select AMERICA again for the World Cup — and make sure to exclude Canada and Mexico
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) July 17, 2026
"What we should do is you should choose the United States of America again, this time we'll leave Mexico and Canada out, but then what you do is you,… pic.twitter.com/xenLlUmoRh
"You choose us, but you pick somebody else for the next one, and that will take some of the anger, hatred, and steam out of everyone."
Trump also disclosed another proposal he said had been discussed with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
"Another idea he said we could do it, China and the United States for next time. We do them China, United States. So you have a nice short flight in between games, you know. The players would love that."
The next men's World Cup open for bidding is the 2038 tournament. FIFA has already awarded the 2030 competition to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with opening matches scheduled in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, while Saudi Arabia is set to host the 2034 edition.
Trump and Gianni Infantino praise FIFA World Cup success
Trump described the tournament as "one of the all-time greatest sporting events in history," while Infantino praised its global reach and record-breaking attendance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup expanded to 48 teams and was staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA has said nearly every one of the tournament's 102 matches played before the final drew capacity crowds, with total attendance expected to reach approximately 6.7 million, the highest in World Cup history.
Infantino credited the tournament with bringing together millions of fans from around the world.
"You don't need people to compliment you, Mr President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you," Infantino said
FIFA President Infantino to Trump:
— Clash Report (@clashreport) July 17, 2026
You don't need people to compliment you, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you. pic.twitter.com/fUlLnziXKg
He added that the competition had shown how sport could unite people across borders.
"We have seen millions of people coming together in the last month and a half to the United States, to Canada and to Mexico... This is the message on which we have to build our future, a future of community and a future of unity."
The tournament concludes Sunday, July 19, with defending champions Argentina facing European champions Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
