Trump and Infantino: mutual praise for the World Cup – the American dream

On Friday, Infantino spoke at the United Nations during a full-day session dedicated to how football can act as a catalyst for young people’s mental health. He brought onto the stage one of the official match balls to be used in Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, describing it as ‘a magical object that has the power to unite the world’. We often hear it said that we live in a divided world, that we live in a hostile world, that there are so many things that divide us and cause us problems, but we also know that if there is one thing this World Cup has shown us and is showing us, it is that there are far more things that unite us than those that divide us’.

This has been the biggest World Cup in history, with 48 teams qualifying and matches played across the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA has stated that the stadiums have been virtually full for each of the 102 matches played so far: there are two remaining – the third-place play-off between France and England today in Miami Gardens, Florida, and Sunday’s final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

The total number of spectators for the tournament is set to be around 6.7 million, a World Cup record, despite earlier concerns that high ticket prices and entry procedures would discourage fans from travelling to North America for the matches. “Over the past month and a half, we have seen millions of people come together in the United States, Canada and Mexico – and in every corner of the world – peacefully and joyfully, eager to spend time together and celebrate a moment of community,” remarked Infantino, “ “This is the strongest message ever, and it is on this message that we must build our future: a future of community and unity.”

The tournament did not see any major security incidents, as some had feared, but was marked by geopolitical tensions and controversies. The Iranian national team had a troubled campaign, narrowly missing out on qualification from the group stage and having to contend with what it described as onerous travel restrictions, given that its country is at war with the United States. Infantino has been criticised globally for overturning the red-card suspension imposed on US star Folarin Balogun, at Trump’s urging, though he described his role in the matter as ‘a simple recommendation’.

“Gianni has made another one of his good decisions,” said Trump. Infantino cited the matches as examples of how sport can act as a bridge that transcends linguistic, cultural, political and other barriers. “In two days’ time we’ll know whether it will be Spain or Argentina who win the World Cup,” concluded Infantino, “but what we already know, dear friends, is that football is not only the most popular sport in the world, but has effectively become that common language, that universal language that everyone speaks, because everyone wants to be together.”