Former US President Donald Trump held talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York on Tuesday, sources confirmed, as part of an effort to position the United States as a host for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The meeting, which took place at Trump Tower, lasted approximately 90 minutes and focused on the feasibility and benefits of a US bid.
Details of the Meeting
According to a source familiar with the discussions, Trump emphasized the country's existing infrastructure, including stadiums and transportation networks, built for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams across 16 US cities. Trump also highlighted the economic potential of hosting the event, citing job creation and tourism revenue.
Infantino reportedly responded positively, noting that FIFA is open to considering bids from multiple regions. The 2034 World Cup is currently slated for a yet-to-be-determined host, with Saudi Arabia and a joint bid from Egypt, Greece, and Saudi Arabia also rumored to be interested.
Political and Diplomatic Implications
The meeting comes amid ongoing discussions about FIFA's bidding process, which has faced criticism over transparency and human rights concerns. Trump's involvement could signal a shift in US foreign policy towards sport diplomacy, similar to the approach taken by Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup.
“President Trump has always been a strong advocate for bringing major sporting events to the United States,” said a spokesperson for Trump's organization. “He believes the World Cup would be a tremendous opportunity for the country.”
FIFA has not officially commented on the meeting, but sources indicate that Infantino is expected to visit Washington DC later this year to meet with other political figures.
Reactions and Next Steps
The potential bid has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters argue that the US has the capacity to host the tournament successfully, while critics point to the country's recent withdrawal from international agreements and political instability. “The US has proven it can host large events, but the political climate could be a hurdle,” said Dr. Sarah Jenkins, a sports management professor at the University of Massachusetts.
No formal bid has been submitted, but the meeting is seen as a preliminary step. The official bidding process for the 2034 World Cup is expected to begin in 2028.
