A collage of Argentina ahead Lionel Messi, US President Donald Trump and Potugal ahead Cristiano Ronaldo might be seen on this picture collage. — Reuters
US President Donald Trump injected a dose of humour into the 2026 World Cup festivities on Friday, evaluating his former soccer capability to that of worldwide superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo throughout a red-carpet look.
Strolling alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino earlier than the match draw, Trump spoke to Colombian broadcasters Futbol RCN and Noticias RCN and revealed that he as soon as performed the game, earlier than jokingly inserting himself only a notch under the sport’s biggest names.
“Believe it or not, I did (played football) and I loved it, I was OK, I wouldn’t say I was Ronaldo or Messi, I was a little bit short of them (…) had a little bit more speed, but I was fine. I loved playing soccer,” Trump stated, drawing laughter from Infantino.
He was handed Fifa’s first-ever peace prize, a stunning twist for a president who has spent the yr brazenly chasing a Nobel nod whereas casting himself as a dealmaker in a number of the world’s most risky areas.
The previous TV actuality present host dominated the scene at Washington’s Kennedy Centre on Friday, inserting himself squarely on the centre of one of many greatest occasions within the sporting world in a glitzy, celebrity-studded affair that bore the unmistakable stamp of the president.
The US, together with Canada and Mexico, will host the soccer match subsequent yr. The prime minister of Canada, Mark Carney, and the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, had been there, too.
His playful remarks shortly sparked response on social media, turning into one of many standout viral moments from an occasion already full of star energy. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady and NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal had been among the many massive names readily available because the soccer world turned its consideration to the draw for the expanded match.
The 2026 World Cup would be the greatest version in historical past, that includes 48 nations competing for the trophy. Most matches can be staged in america, with some group video games hosted by co-organisers Canada and Mexico.
The US realized their group destiny on Friday, touchdown in Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay and the winner of Uefa Playoff C, a difficult project for a facet nonetheless looking for a transparent id.
As co-hosts, the USA mechanically certified for what can be their twelfth World Cup, becoming a member of Canada and Mexico within the finals. The group is led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, appointed in September 2024 following the departure of Gregg Berhalter three months earlier.
