Donald Trump and the United States' Growing Role in the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is rapidly approaching, and the United States is primed to take on a key role in the tournament. With the recent involvement of former president Donald Trump in global soccer conversations, speculations are high about the country’s overall participation and the significance of Trump's influence.

Donald Trump’s Ongoing Influence on U.S. Soccer

Even after leaving office, Donald Trump remains a polarizing figure in both U.S. politics and, surprisingly, the sports world. His influence extends far beyond the political arena, and his involvement in the organization and promotion of major sporting events, like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has raised eyebrows.

Trump's Relationship With Soccer Governing Bodies

In the context of soccer, Trump's administration played a pivotal role in securing the joint bid of the United States, Canada, and Mexico to host the 2026 World Cup. Following the success of this bid, Trump's interactions with soccer governing bodies like FIFA have made headlines. While he's no longer in office, reports suggest that his connections in international circles still play a part in upcoming negotiations and events linked to the tournament.

What to Expect From the 2026 World Cup in the U.S.

The 2026 World Cup will be historic for several reasons:

• First-ever tournament to be hosted by three countries: The United States, Canada, and Mexico will share the responsibilities for organizing the event.
• Expanded format: The tournament will introduce an expanded format with 48 teams, up from the regular 32.
• Increased economic impact: It is projected that the World Cup will bring billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, from tourism to infrastructure development.

All of this happening on U.S. soil means the country will not only be at the forefront of hosting but also have an opportunity to showcase its growing soccer fandom and talent. The event will be a chance for the United States to establish itself further as a key player in the global world of sport, something Trump fervently supported during his presidency.

Impact on Soccer's Popularity in the U.S.

With Trump’s proven interest in large-scale events and business opportunities, his continued involvement in World Cup-related activities may spark an increase in mainstream attention for soccer across America. The event will be a chance for the U.S. to demonstrate its ability to host premier sports events and potentially elevate the sport’s popularity to new levels, similar to the rise of soccer in the nation after the 1994 World Cup.

Conclusion: What Trump’s Involvement Means for 2026

There’s no denying that Donald Trump’s association with the 2026 World Cup has added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming tournament. Whether directly or indirectly, Trump's presence could play a role in shaping how the event is experienced, organized, and promoted within the U.S.

The next few years will be crucial in determining to what extent Trump's involvement will influence the overall success of the tournament. But one thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup is set to be a monumental event for the United States, both in terms of its sports culture and its global standing.