Donald Trump steals the World Cup spotlight with shorts, jokes, and plenty of ego

Donald Trump did what he does best: steal the show. This time, he did it during the official announcement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw. Trump confirmed the venue, but also joked about joining the U.S. national team. “I’m a very good athlete… I look exquisite in shorts,” The president said with a grin. The moment quickly went viral and was picked up by outlets like Athlonsports.

The draw, originally expected to take place in Las Vegas, will now be held in Washington D.C. at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 5, 2025. Donald Trump made the announcement alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino, in a press conference that broke from tradition. Infantino even handed Trump the World Cup trophy—something usually reserved for champions. “The World Cup is only for winners, and since you’re a winner, there’s no problem giving it to you,” Infantino said.

He. Is. HILARIOUS.

REPORTER: Will you take part in the FIFA events?

TRUMP: “I may PLAY. I see the money these players make. I am a very good athlete…I may put on shorts. I look EXTREMELY good in shorts.”

😂😂pic.twitter.com/Q4aenOT0iE

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) August 22, 2025

Showmanship and a new format

Beyond the spectacle, the event with Donald Trump marked a key moment in the buildup to the 2026 World Cup. It will be the first edition with 48 teams, hosted across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The new format includes 12 groups of four and a round of 32, meaning the champion will play eight matches instead of seven. The final is set for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, while the opening match will take place on June 11 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.

Donald Trump used the stage to highlight that Washington is now a “safer, crime-free city,” making it ideal for welcoming international delegations. He also compared the World Cup to “a Super Bowl every day,” making it clear that. Even if he doesn’t lace up his cleats. Trump plans to be a constant presence throughout the tournament.

Provocative and media-savvy style

Though the topic is serious, the media captured the moment with precision. Many highlighted Trump’s provocative and media-savvy style. As in other situations, Donald Trump didn’t miss the chance to turn the event into his own platform. And while his comment about playing for the national team was clearly a joke, he achieved exactly what he wanted: everyone was talking about him.

 

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Una publicación compartida de President Donald J. Trump (@realdonaldtrump)

With the World Cup just around the corner, Donald Trump has already secured his place in the conversation. Not as a player, but definitely as a protagonist. Because if there’s one thing Trump knows how to do, it’s make an entrance—even if it’s in shorts he claims look great on him.