Donald Trump’s unexpected embrace of soccer, a sport where American dominance is yet to be fully realized, has become increasingly evident. His attendance at the FIFA Club World Cup final, hosted in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, served as a precursor to the grander stage of the World Cup final, scheduled for the same venue the following year. Trump views these tournaments, alongside the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, as pivotal showcases of an envisioned “Golden Age of America” under his potential second term. His close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a frequent White House guest, further underscores this burgeoning interest in the sport. This affinity, however, extends beyond mere political expediency. Trump’s son, Barron, is an avid soccer enthusiast, a fact Infantino highlighted during a press conference. This paternal connection, coupled with Trump’s own reported experience playing soccer during his time at the New York Military Academy, paints a picture of a genuine, albeit nascent, appreciation for the game.
Trump’s foray into the world of soccer may appear incongruous with his established persona and the sport’s secondary status in the American sporting landscape. Yet, his keen understanding of popularity, power, and influence aligns perfectly with soccer’s global reach and cultural significance. Trump’s boasting about securing the 2026 World Cup hosting rights during his first term reveals his recognition of the sport’s potential as a platform for national pride and international recognition. The FIFA Club World Cup’s unexpected success, drawing millions of spectators and showcasing captivating matches, further validates Trump’s strategic embrace of the sport. Infantino, accustomed to navigating the complexities of international relations, has publicly acknowledged and thanked Trump for his support, highlighting the president’s immediate grasp of the significance of both the Club World Cup and the upcoming World Cup. He even playfully noted Trump’s apparent fondness for the trophy, a symbol that resonates with the president’s penchant for opulence.
However, Trump’s foray into soccer hasn’t been without its characteristic blend of controversy and political posturing. During a White House visit by Italian soccer club Juventus, Trump engaged in a diatribe about transgender athletes, posing a question to the players about the feasibility of a woman playing on their team. This awkward exchange, met with bemusement from the players and a diplomatic response from the team’s general manager, underscored Trump’s tendency to inject his political views into seemingly unrelated contexts. Furthermore, his hardline immigration policies, a cornerstone of his “America First” agenda, have raised concerns about potential deterrents for international soccer fans planning to attend the 2026 World Cup. Vice President JD Vance’s statement welcoming fans but emphasizing their eventual departure encapsulates this tension between promoting the event and maintaining a restrictive immigration stance.
These seemingly conflicting elements – a genuine personal interest in soccer, the strategic leveraging of the sport for political gain, and the injection of controversial political rhetoric – characterize Trump’s complex relationship with the beautiful game. His embrace of soccer, while seemingly unconventional, aligns with his broader approach to wielding soft power and projecting an image of American strength and influence on the global stage.
Trump’s engagement with soccer illustrates his opportunistic approach to leveraging popular culture for political advantage. He recognizes the sport’s global appeal and its potential to resonate with a broader audience, both domestically and internationally. By associating himself with prestigious soccer events, he aims to project an image of a strong and influential leader, capitalizing on the positive emotions and national pride associated with international sporting competitions. His interactions with Infantino and his public pronouncements about the World Cup and Club World Cup serve as calculated moves to position himself as a champion of American sports and a key player on the world stage.
Ultimately, Trump’s embrace of soccer underscores the multifaceted nature of his political strategy. It combines elements of genuine personal interest, shrewd political calculation, and a willingness to court controversy. His actions demonstrate an understanding of the power of sports to transcend political divides and capture the public’s imagination. While his motives may be multifaceted, his engagement with soccer serves as a testament to the sport’s ever-growing influence and its potential to be wielded as a tool of soft power in the complex arena of international politics.
