Trump jokes about 2026 FIFA World Cup cameo, says he’s a great 'athlete' who 'looks good in shorts'

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Friday, August 22, joked that he might play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as he claimed he is a "very good athlete" who looks "extremely good in shorts."

While speaking to reporters alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, the POTUS talked about joining the action when the World Cup arrives on US soil next summer.

Trump jokes he might 'join the play' during 2026 FIFA World Cup 

Donald Trump told reporters, "I might play. I see the money that these soccer players are making… I might try and play! I'm a very good athlete."

He also talked about his son Barron Trump and described him as a standout soccer talent — and exceptionally tall. The president said, "My son is a very good athlete and he's a good soccer player. On the tall side for a soccer player — he's 6'9'. That's pretty tall?"

Meanwhile, Infantino replied with a laugh, "That's pretty tall — but that's good!"

Furthermore, Trump joked, "I may put on [soccer] shorts — I look extremely good in shorts — and join the play," drawing more laughter from the crowd.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup will be held across the US, Mexico, and Canada in 2026, with the POTUS earlier voicing strong support for the tournament coming to North America.

The president also confirmed that the draw for the upcoming tournament will take place in Washington in December. 

Trump showed his love for soccer as he was seen on stage with Chelsea when they lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy at MetLife Stadium after beating Paris Saint-Germain in July. 

He also presented Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer with the Golden Ball award.

The POTUS also remained on stage as he handed medals to players before passing over the Club World Cup trophy and celebrating as the players lifted the title.

Trump has always been into sports. Apart from his love for golf, the MAGA leader also used to play tennis years ago and has been pictured many times. He played during the Cap-Cure Pro-Am Invitational Tennis Tournament held on the Mar-a-Lago estate back in 2000.

Internet cracks up as Trump's jokes he might play in 2026 FIFA World Cup

Many internet users reacted to Donald Trump as he joked that he might play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, calling himself a "very good athlete" who looks "extremely good in shorts."

A user wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Maybe not FIFA-ready, but entertainment guaranteed," while one added, "Love his humor!!"

A person said, "How can you not love this man," while someone else mentioned, "Shorts? Lmao, the whole world cup would be shook."

"Try it once - you will win it," an individual wrote, while one more tweeted, "Ngl if trump pulls up to the world cup in shorts the internet would literally break."

One quipped, "It would be quite the scene," whereas one joked, "Shorts Cup incoming."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.