Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino hailed record crowds and global interest before Argentina face Spain in the World Cup final.
With the final between Argentina and Spain to come on Sunday, Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino have declared the 2026 World Cup a success.
The pair appeared at a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York, the trophy on display beside them, as the tournament neared its close. Both pointed to attendance figures and a large global audience as evidence that the first 48-team World Cup had met expectations.
"By all means, this World Cup has exceeded all expectations," Infantino said.
FIFA's figures were central to the case. More than 6.6 million fans have attended so far, more than the 2018 and 2022 tournaments combined. Average attendance stands at 65,351 per match, ahead of the previous record set when the United States last hosted in 1994.
The expanded format is part of the reason. With 48 nations and a new round of 32, the schedule runs to 104 matches.
Trump described a tournament that had drawn large crowds across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
"This has been a tournament like no other, filled with fierce competition, unforgettable moments," Trump said.
He also pointed to the sport's standing in the United States. "It turned out we were a soccer country," he added.
Most matches have been played on American soil, including both semi-finals and the final, with Canada and Mexico also hosting fixtures.
Infantino focused on the atmosphere around the tournament, saying it had brought supporters together from across the world.
"The American dream, Mr. President, came to reality," Infantino said. "We united the world."
Fans have travelled across the three host nations over six weeks. Fan zones and public screenings have extended the tournament beyond the stadiums.
There has been criticism. Ticket prices, travel restrictions, playing surfaces and FIFA's disciplinary decisions have all drawn scrutiny during the tournament. Those subjects did not feature at Trump Tower, where the focus was on attendance and reach.
Sunday's final is the last fixture. Defending champions Argentina are seeking to retain the trophy. Spain are in their first final since winning in 2010.
Trump is expected to attend alongside Infantino and to help present the trophy after the match.
Either Spain or Argentina will finish the night as world champions in New Jersey. For now, Trump and Infantino have already given their verdict on the tournament as a whole.
