Trump interrupts FIFA President to make bitter USMNT World Cup comment

Donald Trump took a lighthearted swipe at the United States' premature World Cup elimination during a FIFA reception at Trump Tower on Friday, chiming in as FIFA president Gianni Infantino extolled the organization's mission of bringing the world together through soccer.

The moment unfolded as Infantino delivered lavish remarks about the tournament's achievements, outlining FIFA's broader purpose in glowing terms. "Because, I don't know if you know, but the official definition of FIFA is, FIFA is the official happiness provider to humanity for 120 years," Infantino said. "We are providing joy and happiness."

Trump cut in with a dry aside: "Unless your team loses."

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The exchange took place during a wide-ranging celebration of the tournament ahead of Sunday's final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium. Trump hosted the reception in Manhattan, where he and Infantino stood alongside the World Cup trophy, which the president intends to help present to the victorious team.

Infantino showered Trump with praise throughout the event, crediting him personally for the tournament's triumph. "You don't need people to compliment you, Mr. President, but this World Cup would not have been such an incredible success without you," Infantino said, declaring the event not only the greatest World Cup but "the greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed."

Trump, for his part, described the tournament as "one of the all-time greatest sporting events in history," and commended America's wider role as host nation. "It's been a true honor for Americans to share our magnificent country with the world," Trump said. "And today, America, it's stronger and wealthier and hotter than ever before, and you're a big part of it."

Beyond the exchange regarding the USMNT's early elimination, Trump seized the occasion to float a proposal for future World Cup hosting arrangements, suggesting the United States take on the role once again independently. "You should choose the United States of America again," Trump said. "This time, we will leave Canada and Mexico out."

He further suggested that FIFA should "pick somebody else for the next one and that will take some of the anger, hatred and steam out of everyone."

Trump also disclosed that Infantino had separately put forward a joint U.S.-China hosting arrangement for a future tournament, quipping that players would enjoy "a nice short flight in between games."

The reception also afforded Trump another opportunity to revisit his involvement in the contentious reversal of Folarin Balogun's red-card suspension earlier in the tournament, a ruling that drew sharp criticism from UEFA and other international observers after Trump openly acknowledged personally calling Infantino to request a review.

"Gianni made yet another of his good decisions," Trump said Friday, later adding, "You made another great decision. You'll never get credit for that."