The most divisive president in American history took to the world stage Friday afternoon, but fans watching from home had only one question: Was Donald Trump booed?
The answer is no, he didn’t. However, there was no applause.
Just before the draw for the 2026 World Cup, an eerie silence fell as FIFA president Gianni Infantino introduced Trump as the first recipient of the new FIFA Peace Prize.
Despite an impressive video montage playing on the big screen, the reaction from the audience, which consisted mainly of international athletes, dignitaries and visitors, was noticeably lukewarm.
President Trump’s approval ratings are historically low at home, but he is often even less popular on the world stage, resulting in a polite but far from warm reception.
It was in this awkward atmosphere that celebrations for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States will co-host with Mexico and Canada, began. The draw will be held live from the capital and will allocate tables for the tournament starting in the summer of 2026.
President Trump: “Team USA can be champions”
President Trump arrived at the event hand-in-hand with Infantino and paused briefly to speak to the media and express confidence in the U.S. team’s potential.
“We have it. We can be champions,” President Trump said, referring to the U.S. men’s national team’s chances of hoisting a trophy.
He also used the platform to tout the commercial success of the FIFA World Cup in North America, highlighting record ticket sales across the three host countries.
“Ticket sales have been a great success so far,” he said, adding that the United States remains the center of the sports world. “Not only will we have the World Cup, but we will also have the Olympics,” he said, referring to the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Mr. Sheinbaum, Mr. Carney, Mr. Brady and Mr. O’Neal attended the event.
The event was a star-studded affair with a mix of politicians and sports legends. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady were among those in attendance.
Many of the biggest names in soccer were in attendance, with legends like Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio and former Team USA coach Ilgen Klinsmann watching as preparations were made for the world’s biggest sporting event.
