It was showtime for world soccer’s courtship of President Donald Trump, complete with a performance by one of his favorite bands and a glitzy, celebrity-laden ceremony loaded with anticipation and a prize targeted to appeal to a president who styles himself as a peacemaker.
The FIFA World Cup is coming to North America next year, and FIFA has been laying the groundwork for the massive sporting event by cozying up to Trump, culminating in a Dec. 5 ceremony at the Kennedy Center for the World Cup Draw. Trump appeared at the event, receiving a FIFA “Peace Prize” after he was passed over in October for the Nobel Peace Prize.
“This is truly one of the great honors of my life,” Trump said in accepting the prize.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has become a Trump favorite, even appearing at a ceremony Trump hosted for a peace deal Dec. 4 between African nations and last month visiting the White House when the Republican administration announced an expedited visa process for World Cup ticket holders.
“A great leader in sports and a great gentleman,” Trump said of Infantino on Dec. 4 as he bragged about World Cup ticket sales.
Infantino had lauded Trump and formed a close bond with him after multiple White House visits. It’s a relationship fraught with potential pitfalls, though, as a game with huge global popularity collides with a two-term American president who has antagonized many world leaders with tariffs, strict immigration measures and other moves.
There are questions about how U.S. travel and immigration policies could affect the 2025 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Trump has even threatened to move games out of U.S. cities he deems unsafe as he clashes with Democratic mayors about deploying the National Guard in their communities.
Trump said Dec. 5 that he doesn’t want to move games, telling reporters on the Kennedy Center red carpet: “I will tell you, if (cities) do have a problem, by the time we get there, we’ll take care of that problem. We can solve that problem.”
Against that backdrop, Trump took the stage with Infantino for an event watched by soccer fans around the world. Here’s what to know.
Infantino’s efforts to appeal to Trump reached their zenith with the World Cup Draw, which divided teams from 48 nations into 12 groups of four. The United States ended up in a group with Australia, Paraguay and one other team that is yet to be determined.
The event appeared to be tailored to appeal to Trump, from the “Peace Prize” to the musical performers. Trump has repeatedly lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize. FIFA offered something of a consolation prize. Also, Trump was serenaded by musical acts like the Village People, whose 1978 song “Y.M.C.A” is a staple at Trump rallies, and Andrea Bocelli, another presidential favorite.
Trump danced in his box as the Village People played to close out the event.
A president who loves celebrity and spectacle had plenty of both. The event was co-hosted by actor and comedian Kevin Hart and supermodel Heidi Klum. Among the sports greats who participated: Tom Brady, Shaquille O’Neal, Wayne Gretzky, Eli Manning and Aaron Judge.
Trump attended with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Infantino has said his bond with Trump goes back to the president’s first term in office. After Infantino saw a soccer net while visiting the White House, Trump told him that his son, Barron, is a big soccer fan.
“He explained to me his son loved football. And of course, when you’re parents, you love what your children love,” Infantino said July 12.
Infantino’s efforts to ingratiate himself with Trump include opening a FIFA office inside Trump Tower in New York City. The World Cup needs Trump’s strong support, he said.
“You cannot even think about organizing an event like this … such a competition without the full engagement and full support of the government,” he said.
Soccer fans from around the world tuned into the World Cup Draw to see how the match-ups would unfold.
World Cup organizers are hoping they also flock to the games. Trump said Dec. 4 that the ticket sales have been good, yet there are questions about how the event will play out. Matches begin in June and culminate with the finals on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
A July 1 letter sent to FIFA by more than 80 civil rights and labor groups expressed concerns about Trump administration immigration policies and how they could impact the World Cup.
“We call on FIFA to use its influence to encourage the U.S. government to guarantee the fundamental rights of the millions of foreign visitors and fans who seek entry to the U.S. to attend the tournaments, and those of the constitutional rights of the many immigrants who already live, work, and contribute meaningfully to the cities selected to host them,” the groups wrote, according to The Athletic.
The Trump administration has made a new push for immigration and travel restrictions after two National Guard members were shot by an Afghan national near the White House last week.
Infantino and Trump administration officials have said travel to the United States for the event won’t be a problem.
“The world is welcome in America,” Infantino said on May 15. “Of course, the players, of course, everyone involved, all of us, but definitely also all the fans.”
Contributing: Tom Schad, Jesse Yomtov, Safid Deen, Seth Vertelney, Mark Giannotto, Francesca Chambers