United States President Donald Trump has stirred fresh headlines after asking FIFA President Gianni Infantino if he could “keep” the World Cup trophy during its presentation at the Oval Office.
The symbolic gesture occurred as Infantino paid a courtesy call on the U.S. President ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The FIFA delegation also confirmed that the tournament draw will take place on December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Infantino carried the gold-plated trophy into the Oval Office, breaking with a long-held tradition that only past World Cup winners are allowed to handle it. “It’s for winners only,” he quipped before handing it to Trump.
Visibly fascinated, Trump held the trophy briefly before placing it on his desk, asking with a smile:
“That’s a beautiful piece of gold. Can I keep it?” The room erupted in laughter, with Infantino responding with a smile while reiterating the trophy’s symbolic significance.
The 79-year-old President also used the occasion to assure the FIFA delegation of heightened security measures for the 2026 tournament. Trump pointed to his recent crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., where the National Guard and federal agencies have assumed policing duties.
“It’s going to be very safe. Gianni, you can walk down the street with your beautiful wife … if you can get a reservation,” Trump added.
The meeting, attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials, underscored America’s readiness to co-host what Trump described as “the biggest event in sports.”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June to July 19, 2026, marking the first time the tournament will be staged across three countries.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
