Inside Trump Tower: The Intersection Of Politics And FIFA World Cup
US President Donald Trump and FIFA head Gianni Infantino held an exclusive reception at Trump Tower in Manhattan on July 17, 2026, ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. Standing by the iconic trophy, both leaders traded high praise of the tournament. Infantino lauded the event's success, calling it "the American dream" that "united the world". He thanked Trump, noting the event wouldn't have reached such heights without his backing. Trump called the tourney "one of the greatest sporting events in history". The gathering highlighted deep ties between football's governing body and Trump, and the pair have stood steadfastly by one another amid controversies before and during the tournament, also co-hosted by Canada and Mexico. It's also worth noting that FIFA recently leased permanent office space inside Trump Tower. The event concluded with Trump wishing both teams the best of luck ahead of his historic role presenting the trophy to the winning captain this Sunday.
US President Donald Trump speaks as FIFA President Gianni Infantino listens at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a reception at Trump Tower with President Donald Trump in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attend a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
Viktor Knavs listens as President Donald Trump speaks at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump listens as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
New England Patriots football team owner Robert Kraft waves as President Donald Trump speaks at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino appear speak at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
President Donald Trump listens as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a reception at Trump Tower in New York, Friday, July 17, 2026. | Photo: AP/Jacquelyn Martin
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