Trump claims US World Cup a success, despite controversies, ahead of final

Lead

President Donald Trump attended the World Cup final on Sunday, presenting the trophy to Spain after its 1-0 victory over defending champion Argentina. Trump, who had not attended any World Cup games before the final, declared the tournament "one of the all-time greatest sporting events in history" and said, "It turned out we were a soccer country, and I think it's going to remain," speaking at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York on Friday.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who stood alongside Trump at the reception, called the World Cup a success, pointing to sold-out stadiums and high television ratings as proof. "The American dream, Mr. President, came to reality," Infantino said.

Coverage Comparison

Reports of the final and the surrounding events varied in emphasis. Africa News highlighted Infantino's praise for Trump and the tournament's success, framing the story around the reception and the trophy presentation. The Hindu noted that Infantino had announced in June that Trump would attend the final and present the trophy, but that the White House had not confirmed it until Thursday.

Deutsche Welle focused on the controversies surrounding Trump's involvement, describing his intervention in a referee decision as "one of the most notorious political interventions in World Cup history." France 24 — English also covered the trophy presentation but devoted significant attention to the logistical challenges the White House faced and the impact of the administration's migration policies on fans and officials.

Key Claims

• Trump presented the World Cup trophy to Spain after the final, as reported by France 24 — English and The Hindu.
• Trump said the US "turned out we were a soccer country" and that it "is going to remain," a statement he made at the FIFA reception, according to France 24 — English.
• The White House navigated a year of logistical challenges with co-hosts Canada and Mexico, including balancing the administration's hard-line migration policies that barred fans from some countries, as reported by France 24 — English.
• Trump asked FIFA to review a red card given to star U.S. striker Folarin Balogun during a match against Bosnia. FIFA suspended the ban, and the US subsequently lost to Belgium 4-1, according to The Hindu and Deutsche Welle.
• The tournament's success was cited by Infantino, who pointed to sold-out stadiums and high TV ratings, as reported by Africa News.

Perspectives

Trump administration: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the tournament "the most watched, most secure, and most successful World Cup in American history," saying it showcased America's ability to host the world.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino: Infantino lauded Trump's role and called the tournament a success, saying it achieved its mission of uniting people from all corners of the globe.

Critics and experts: Jules Boykoff, a professor of politics at Pacific University, told Deutsche Welle that Trump "cast a shadow over the entire tournament, weaponizing it for domestic political purposes." Boykoff also described Trump's phone call to FIFA as a "notorious political intervention."