The most divisive President in American history walked onto the global stage on Friday afternoon, leaving fans watching from home wondering just one thing: Did Donald Trump get booed?
The answer is no, he did not. But he didn’t get a cheer, either.
When FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced Trump as the inaugural recipient of the new “FIFA Peace Prize” just moments before the 2026 World Cup Draw, the room fell eerily quiet.
Despite a flattering video montage playing on the big screens, the response from the audience-comprised largely of international athletes, dignitaries, and visitors-was noticeably tepid.
While Trump’s approval ratings are historically low domestically, his popularity is often even lower on the global stage, resulting in a welcome that was polite, but far from warm.
The awkward atmosphere kicked off the festivities for the 2026 World Cup, which the United States is co-hosting alongside Mexico and Canada. The draw, held live from the nation’s capital, assigns the tables for the tournament set to begin in the summer of 2026.
President Trump says Team USA can be champion
Trump arrived at the event hand-in-hand with Infantino, stopping briefly to speak to the media and project confidence about the American team’s chances.
“We have it, we can be champions,” Trump said, referring to the U.S. Men’s National Team’s probability of lifting the trophy.
He also used the platform to boast about the commercial success of the FIFA World Cup in North America, highlighting record ticket sales across the three host nations.
“Ticket sales, a great success so far,” he noted, adding that the U.S. remains the epicenter of the sporting world. “Not only will we have the World Cup, but also the Olympics,” he said, referencing the upcoming 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Sheinbaum, Carney, Brady, and O’Neal attended the event
The event was a star-studded affair, blending political figures with sporting legends. In attendance were Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal, and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady.
Soccer royalty was also well-represented, with legends like Ronaldo, Roberto Baggio, and former Team USA coach Jürgen Klinsmann looking on as the tables were set for the world’s biggest sporting event.
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