Trump Prioritizes Relationship with FIFA President Infantino at World Cup

London, United Kingdom Jul 21, 2026 ALN: EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey — President Donald Trump stood shoulder to shoulder with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum during the FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey — but his eyes were elsewhere.

Throughout the afternoon on Sunday, the president gravitated toward FIFA President Gianni Infantino instead of gathered world leaders, underscoring the close relationship between the president and the global soccer chief. Infantino answered Trump’s phone call about U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red card and seems to have a standing invite to the Oval Office.

This is just the second time the three North American leaders have appeared together, and while it wasn’t quite a snub, it wasn’t exactly a warm embrace. The dynamics of international relations can often be complex, and the interactions among these leaders reflect ongoing tensions and priorities that extend beyond the soccer pitch.

Perhaps Carney and Sheinbaum are just fine with that considering that when Trump did talk to Carney it was to tell him to get the Canadian wildfires under control. “I told him you’ve got to stop these fires from coming in and poisoning our air,” Trump told reporters after the match at MetLife Stadium. “Maybe they should pay us some damages or something.” This comment underscores the often contentious relationship between the U.S. and Canada, particularly regarding environmental issues and trade.

On Monday, Trump imposed 50 percent tariffs on some Canadian imports, with the duties — which would apply to everything from wine and honey to textiles, fishing rods, jewelry and furniture — scheduled to take effect on Aug. 19. Tariffs have been a contentious issue in U.S.-Canada relations, particularly since the renegotiation of NAFTA, which was replaced by the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The introduction of tariffs can strain diplomatic ties and affect economic interactions, leading to retaliatory measures from Canada.

Tensions are also high between the U.S. and Mexico after two CIA agents were killed in a car crash in Mexico this spring and the U.S. unsealed indictments against 10 current and former Mexican officials, including members of Sheinbaum’s own political party. This situation adds a layer of complexity to the relationship, as both countries navigate issues of security, cooperation, and mutual interests.

Mexico also last week filed criminal complaints over the deaths of some of its citizens in ICE custody or as part of immigration enforcement operations. These incidents highlight ongoing concerns about immigration policies and human rights, creating friction between the two nations as they attempt to address border security and immigration reform.

When the trophy presentation began, Trump walked onto the field alongside Infantino, with Carney and Sheinbaum trailing behind. As players assembled to receive their medals, Trump spent most of the ceremony chatting with Infantino, who stood to his right, rather than with Carney and Sheinbaum to his left. This behavior reflects a strategic alignment with Infantino, as the FIFA president has become a significant ally for Trump in the realm of international sports.

After Spain lifted the trophy, Trump and Infantino lingered together just off camera for nearly five minutes, watching the celebrations before eventually walking off the field side by side. The optics reflected a broader reality of Trump's presidency, where sports diplomacy has emerged as a key component of his administration's international engagement strategy.

Since returning to office, Trump has made sports a centerpiece of his term, with Infantino becoming a favorite international partner. The FIFA chief has met with Trump more than any other global leader. “No other president in history could have pulled off the historic feat that President Trump delivered for the American people and the world,” a White House spokesperson stated, emphasizing the administration's focus on leveraging sports as a means of fostering international relationships.

The World Cup final also marked the beginning of the end for the White House task force Trump established to oversee the tournament. This task force was created to ensure that the U.S. was prepared to host the World Cup and to coordinate efforts among various federal agencies. Andrew Giuliani, who has led the interagency effort for the past year, said agencies have been instructed to begin compiling lessons learned from the tournament to help shape preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the 2031 Women’s World Cup, and the 2034 Winter Olympics — what he calls the “golden age of sports in America.”

“We don’t want to spend too much time sitting on the sidelines here because we want things to be fresh,” Giuliani said in an interview before the final. The focus on future sporting events reflects a broader strategy to enhance the U.S.'s global standing through sports, which can serve as a unifying force and a platform for international dialogue.

Among the biggest takeaways, Giuliani said, was proving the United States could balance heightened security with welcoming millions of international visitors. “The United States can achieve that balance of making sure that we host a safe, secure event, not letting bad actors into our country while making sure also we can open our gates to fans and the world,” he said. This balance is crucial for the U.S. as it prepares to host major international events, which require extensive planning and coordination to ensure both safety and hospitality.

As the task force winds down, Giuliani’s own future remains uncertain. Asked whether he could move into another role inside the Trump administration — from helping with Republicans’ midterm convention to an ambassadorship or another sports-related portfolio — Giuliani quipped that he first planned to reintroduce himself to his family. However, he made it clear that he would welcome another assignment from the president. “I love this president,” Giuliani said. “I look forward to future conversations with him and his senior staff and his Cabinet, and any way that I can help support this America First vision … I’d be honored to consider it.” This sentiment reflects a loyalty that is often seen among Trump’s inner circle, emphasizing the importance of personal relationships in political appointments and roles.