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As the results of the 2026 World Cup are finalized, the active involvement of US President Donald Trump in the tournament has become a subject of widespread debate.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, President Trump’s influence on both organizational processes and specific decision-making during the tournament—which was co-hosted by three nations for the first time—has drawn significant attention.
Reports indicate that in December 2025, US President Donald Trump was awarded the inaugural "FIFA Peace Prize" by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This decision sparked varied reactions within the football community, leading to considerable controversy regarding the criteria and timing of the award.
Furthermore, the tournament saw a high-profile disciplinary case involving US national team striker Folarin Balogun, whose initial disqualification was later commuted to a conditional penalty. Allegations have circulated suggesting that this decision followed a telephone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino. FIFA has officially stated that the decision was made in strict accordance with disciplinary regulations.
US President Donald Trump was also a central figure during the final match, where he attended the stadium and participated in the trophy presentation ceremony alongside FIFA leadership. These moments were widely discussed across social media platforms.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, represents a milestone in international sports history as the first tournament to feature an expanded 48-team format. The event has been closely watched not only for its athletic competition but also for its complex intersection with international politics and diplomatic relations.
