Trump and FIFA president share lighthearted exchange at reception ahead of World Cup final

NEW YORK: U.S. President Donald Trump hosted a special reception at Trump Tower in Manhattan on Friday, welcoming FIFA President Gianni Infantino along with several international football stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The event brought together prominent figures from the world of football and highlighted the excitement surrounding Sunday’s championship match between Argentina and Spain.

During the gathering, President Trump and Infantino stood beside the FIFA World Cup trophy, which Trump is expected to present to the winning team following the final. The trophy served as the centerpiece of the event as both leaders addressed guests and members of the media.

While delivering his remarks, Infantino praised football’s global appeal and described FIFA as an organization that brings joy to millions of people around the world. He stated that “FIFA is the official happiness provider to humanity,” emphasizing the unifying power of the sport across different cultures and nations.

Before Infantino could continue, President Trump interrupted with a humorous comment, saying, “Unless his team loses.” The unexpected remark immediately drew laughter from those in attendance. Infantino smiled at the comment and repeated Trump’s words, saying, “Unless the team loses,” appearing to take the interruption in good spirits. Trump then lightly patted the FIFA president on the shoulder, further reinforcing the friendly atmosphere of the exchange.

The brief interaction quickly gained attention on social media, where video clips of the moment were widely shared across various platforms. Many users viewed the exchange as a lighthearted joke, while others interpreted Trump’s remark differently. Some social media commentators speculated that the president was making a subtle reference to Argentina, although there was no official explanation regarding the intended meaning behind his statement.

One user on the social media platform X suggested that Trump had openly criticized Infantino during the event, while others argued that the exchange was simply playful banter between the two men. Despite the online speculation, Infantino’s reaction suggested that he did not take the comment as offensive. Instead, he appeared relaxed and amused throughout the conversation, and the event continued without any sign of discomfort or disagreement.

Gianni Infantino, who was born in Brig, Switzerland, is the son of Italian immigrants and has served as FIFA president since 2016. Throughout his tenure, he has overseen major developments in international football, including the expansion of the FIFA World Cup and initiatives aimed at increasing the sport’s global reach.

The reception took place against the backdrop of ongoing discussions among football supporters about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. During the tournament, some fans expressed concerns on social media, alleging that FIFA had shown favoritism toward Argentina. These claims have circulated widely online, although no official evidence has been presented to support such allegations, and FIFA has not acknowledged any bias in the competition.

As anticipation builds for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, the reception at Trump Tower added another memorable moment to the tournament. The lighthearted exchange between President Trump and Gianni Infantino became one of the event’s most talked-about highlights, generating widespread discussion online while reflecting the excitement surrounding one of football’s biggest occasions.