President Donald Trump brought a personal and humorous touch to the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw festivities on Friday. During a red-carpet appearance alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump joked about his soccer abilities. In an interview with Colombian broadcasters, he compared himself to legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
“Believe it or not, I did play football, and I loved it,” Trump stated. “I was OK, I wouldn’t say I was Ronaldo or Messi. I was a little bit short of them… had a little bit more speed, but I was fine. I loved playing soccer.” His playful comments drew laughter from Infantino and quickly became a viral highlight from the celebrity-packed event.
The ceremony held a significant surprise for the President. Trump was awarded FIFA’s first-ever Peace Prize. This was a notable recognition for a leader who has actively positioned himself as a dealmaker in global conflicts while openly seeking a Nobel Peace Prize.
Trump dominated the scene at Washington’s Kennedy Centre. He placed himself at the centre of one of the world’s biggest sporting events. The draw was attended by co-hosts Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, alongside sports icons like Tom Brady and Shaquille O’Neal.
Read: 2026 World Cup Draw: Mexico to Open Tournament vs South Africa at Azteca
As a co-host, the United States automatically qualified for the 48-team tournament. During the draw, the U.S. Men’s National Team learned its Group D opponents: Australia, Paraguay, and the winner of UEFA Playoff C. The team is currently led by head coach Mauricio Pochettino, who was appointed in September 2024.
The event successfully blended global sport, politics, and celebrity, setting the stage for the historic 2026 tournament across North America.
