Donald Trump didn’t mince words when it came to comparing himself to the best soccer players in the world who will be competing for an international championship next year on American soil.
The president of the United States walked the red carpet alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino before the tournament’s draw, and he showed the world that he’s pretty confident in himself and the game he used to have.
The 2026 World Cup will be the biggest tournament to date, with 48 nations fighting in the summer for the right to lift the trophy. Most of the games will be played in the United States, with some group stage matches to be hosted by Canada and Mexico.
An unexpected moment
During the red carpet of the 2026 World Cup draw, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered one of the most unexpected moments of the night. In an interview with Fútbol RCN and Noticias RCN from Colombia, he revealed that he once played soccer and even compared his level to the greatest names in the sport.
“Believe it or not, I did (played soccer) 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 said, which made Infantino laugh.
His comments quickly sparked reactions across social media, adding another surprising twist to an event already filled with big personalities like legendary quarterback Tom Brady and iconic basketball player Shaquille O’Neal enjoying the draw. Trump’s playful comparison instantly became one of the standout viral moments from the World Cup festivities.
A tough challenge for the United States
The United States learned their 2026 FIFA World Cup draw on Friday afternoon, slotting into Group D alongside Australia, Paraguay and the winner of UEFA Playoff C. It’s a tough challenge for a team that’s searching for its identity.
The USA automatically qualified for their 12th World Cup as tournament co-hosts, along with Canada and Mexico. They’re led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was appointed in September 2024 following Gregg Berhalter‘s exit three months prior.
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