U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino carry the FIFA Membership World Cup trophy on stage earlier than presenting it to Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That is the primary time the U.S. has hosted the the FIFA CWC competitors, one yr earlier than the U.S., Mexico and Canada are scheduled to host the World Cup in 2026.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Photos Information | Getty Photos
The U.S. has lengthy referred to European soccer as “soccer” — however President Donald Trump signaled this week that he may formally change the apply.
Chatting with DAZN TV channel, Trump was requested about the potential of an government order to rename the game.
“I feel we are able to try this, I feel I may try this,” Trump laughed as he spoke to the worldwide sports activities streamer in an interview printed Monday.
“They name it ‘soccer,’ however I suppose we name it ‘soccer,’ however that change might be made very simply. But it surely’s nice to look at,” he stated, as he was interviewed throughout the last of the FIFA Membership World Cup, which was held in New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium on Sunday.
Whereas the time period “soccer” is broadly used for the game, particularly in Europe and far of the world, the U.S., Canada and Australia typically use “soccer” to seek advice from the sport.
It stays to be seen how critical Trump is about making the identify change, however he actually seems to have caught the bug for what the British name “the Lovely Recreation.” CNBC has reached out to the White Home for additional remark and is awaiting a response.
Trump, who was current for the FIFA Membership World Cup last match, appeared alongside winners Chelsea — a lot to the bemusement of gamers — as they lifted the competitors trophy.
Chelsea Captain Reece James and his teammates have a good time their FIFA Membership World Cup trophy win as U.S. President Donald Trump appears to be like on following the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 Last match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Photos Information | Getty Photos
The newly expanded soccer — or soccer — event was launched this yr and noticed top-flight groups from around the globe compete in matches held throughout 12 venues within the U.S. within the final month. British membership Chelsea surprised their French counterparts, Paris St. Germain (PSG), clinching a 3-0 win on Sunday.
Trump unexpectedly appeared on the stage with the Chelsea gamers as they lifted the trophy. There are huge quantities of cash to be made in soccer — the event win has netted Chelsea round £84 million (virtually $113 million), in response to the BBC, for his or her participation and efficiency.
When the Chelsea gamers have been requested about Trump “crashing” the trophy presentation, Chelsea Captain Reece James commented, “To be trustworthy it was fairly loud. I could not hear an excessive amount of. He simply congratulated me and the workforce for lifting the trophy and advised us to benefit from the second.”
His workforce mate Cole Palmer, who was instrumental in all three objectives netted by the workforce, appeared visibly confused on the time.
Cole Palmer #10 of Chelsea FC collects his Gold Medal from U.S. President Donald Trump following the FIFA Membership World Cup 2025 Last match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Darren Walsh | Chelsea Fc | Getty Photos
The “America First” president, identified for his protectionist stance, advised DAZN that the game had a unifying high quality, and was about “love” between international locations.
“The sport is about unity, it’s about everybody getting collectively,” he advised the community.
“It’s about numerous love between totally different worldwide international locations,” he added, saying hat “that is essentially the most worldwide sport on the planet, so it might probably actually deliver the world collectively.”
The U.S. will not be capable to escape the footballing mania subsequent yr, when it is set to host the World Cup, together with Mexico and Canada.