Gianni Infantino said it plainly: "the greatest World Cup of all time." Standing alongside Donald Trump at a FIFA reception in Trump Tower on Friday, it's hard to argue the FIFA president was wrong.
Seven million fans through the turnstiles. Tens of millions more filling city centres across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Billions watching at home. By every measure that matters, the 2026 edition delivered — and then some.
A tournament that actually moved Americans
The more interesting story isn't the numbers. It's that a country historically indifferent to football got genuinely hooked. Trump acknowledged as much, noting that visitors arrived unsure what to expect and left won over — both by the sport and by the country hosting it. For a tournament that was always going to be judged partly on cultural impact, that's a significant outcome.
Infantino framed it in sweeping terms: "The American dream, Mr. President, came to reality. We united the world." Trump, characteristically, kept it lighter — joking that the US should get the World Cup again, perhaps this time without Mexico and Canada. He also floated the idea of a future tournament shared with China, before quickly noting the travel logistics might be something of a challenge. A jab dressed up as a punchline.
Sunday's final: Argentina vs Spain
The reception sets up what comes next. Trump is scheduled to attend Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain and will present the trophy alongside Infantino. It's a genuinely compelling matchup — the reigning world champions against a Spain side that has looked sharp throughout the tournament.
Argentina defending their crown would cement this golden generation's legacy. Spain winning it would signal a proper changing of the guard. Either outcome makes for a final worth watching, and the occasion now has a political dimension too, with the US president front and centre for the presentation.
"This has been far beyond a sporting event," Trump said. "This has been something very, very special."
On the evidence of the last few weeks, that's not an overstatement.
