On July 17th, US President Trump hosted a reception at the White House, welcoming FIFA President Gianni Infantino and representatives from various sectors of the football world. In their speeches, both sides praised the ongoing 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, highlighting record-breaking live attendance, global viewership, and socio-cultural impact. They also looked forward to the upcoming third-place playoff between England and France, and the final between Argentina and Spain. Below is the first part of Trump's reception speech.

"I want to thank Gianni (Infantino). Years ago, he came to me with this crazy idea. I said, 'Are you crazy? We're not a soccer nation.' But it turns out we are now. Thanks to everything he's done and the vision of him and many friends I've met today, soccer will continue to thrive here."

"Those friends played a crucial role in the bidding decision. I want to thank our great FIFA President Gianni Infantino—no one is quite like him; such people are rare. Thanks also to the entire FIFA team for your incredible work. I've met many of you and finally understand why you've achieved so much: it's the dedication and commitment shown by everyone in this room."

"This beautiful room has excellent acoustics because in a few minutes you'll hear a great opera singer. Years ago, Pavarotti sang here, right in that corner. He told me something I'll never forget: acoustics, like luck and talent, are sometimes innate. He said, 'This is the best space.' He recorded albums and songs here. The person you're about to hear is also excellent."

"I once asked Christopher, also from Italy, 'Are you as good as Pavarotti?' In this industry, having an Italian name seems to be a huge advantage, right? If his name were Christopher Smith, it might not be as effective (laughter). He told me, 'No, no, no, he is the master, the greatest ever, no one can compare.' When you hear him sing later, you'll understand he's also very good. If it were me, I would definitely say, 'No, I'm better than Pavarotti,' which is why I'm sitting here instead of singing there (laughter). But what you're about to hear is indeed outstanding, recognized talent."

"This World Cup is perhaps the most successful sporting event in world history. It's incredible. I want to congratulate everyone here, because you all love this sport deeply. In American English, 'football' can be confusing because we have the great Bob Kraft here—owner of the New England Patriots who's won six Super Bowls. Six Super Bowls, that's not easy. Bob, please stand up. (Applause) He also owns a soccer team, which is good, though that team hasn't been as successful as his American football team. Do you agree, Bob? Still a little short, but you don't mind—it's accepted in this country. Congratulations, Bob."

"Back in 2018, eight years ago, I had the privilege of helping North America secure the World Cup bid. I never imagined it would grow to this scale. Gianni said it definitely would. And ironically, I'm still president now. I thought I shouldn't be here by now—polls showed I would serve eight full years, but that election was rigged. But what did I get? The World Cup. I got the Olympics. I brought them here."

"I tried to take all the credit for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, but it didn't go so well (laughter). But I did get the Olympics and this World Cup. Infantino says it might be even bigger than the Olympics. Is it bigger than the Olympics? (Infantino responds: 'Much bigger.') Okay, I'll take his word for it. I trust his judgment."

"Gianni, I also want to thank FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, the FIFA Vice Presidents, Council members, presidents and secretaries general of the member associations, and several heads of state here. Being a head of state might be less relaxing than being a football association president, but you all do amazing work. Several heads of state are sitting in the back row today—can you believe it? (Laughter)"

"Many legendary players and all-stars are also present tonight. As someone who understands sports, I recognize them all. My children love soccer. My youngest son, Barron—the very tall young man—loves soccer and he's a good player. I don't know about his speed; he's so tall. I once asked him, 'Barron, what happens if a player from Spain, Argentina, France, or England gets past you?' He said, 'Dad, my ball control is very good.' I said, 'But if he's faster than you, what do you do?' He said, 'Dad, he'll never get past me.' He didn't want to directly answer the question about speed. Speed is still very crucial in this sport, right? (Infantino responds: 'Yes.') But he does have good skills."

"Gianni and everyone here have jointly shaped this sport, elevating it to unprecedented heights. Melania's father, Viktor, is here today; he's an excellent father-in-law and a great man. He played soccer when he was young—didn't make it to the professional leagues, but he was a superb athlete. Viktor, please stand up. (Applause) A former soccer player. Thank you, Viktor. He'll also be at the game on Sunday, as will Melania and everyone else. Who wouldn't want to be there? If we had 10 million more tickets, they would all sell out. Tickets for this game have been snapped up long ago—no one has ever seen such a spectacle."

"Tonight we gather in New York, awaiting the ultimate showdown between two outstanding teams, Argentina and Spain, on Sunday. I watched that pass by Messi, and although I'm not as professional as you all, I understand sports and soccer. I saw Messi was tightly marked—very tightly marked. But suddenly, he moved to the right. Do you understand what I'm talking about? I'm not sure others noticed, but I did. Facing persistent marking by a great defender, he dodged to the right, and the defender was left standing still. Messi had plenty of time to shoot, and that kick was absolutely brilliant—the difference was perhaps only a quarter-inch, and the game was decided."

"It's amazing. These great players do this again and again; they're born with special talent. I know Ronaldo is one of them. I've gotten to know him over the years, and he's a great guy. England also has a great player—I've played golf with him—Kane. He's always been great. But I think putting him in a defensive position might have been a mistake. Of course, what do I know about tactics? (Laughter) Putting the league's top player on defense—sometimes you need to play more offensively, right? But I'm not going to tell anyone how to coach. It's just a bit unusual. Kane is a very good person."

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