Trump Jokes About Issuing Executive Order To Rename Soccer As ‘Football’ In The US

U.S. President Donald Trump sparked laughter during the FIFA Club World Cup final on Sunday, July 13, by joking about signing an executive order to officially rename “soccer” as “football” in the United States, aligning with international terminology.

Speaking to DAZN at MetLife Stadium—where Chelsea FC triumphed over Paris Saint-Germain in what he called “a bit of an upset”—Trump lit up when a reporter suggested the idea, playing along with the notion.

“I think we could do that,” he joked.

Trump attended the match alongside First Lady Melania Trump, following an invitation from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a longtime friend.

Infantino has previously lauded Trump for his support of FIFA’s global competitions and for positioning the U.S. as host nation for major tournaments, including the upcoming 2026 World Cup final—set to be held at the very same MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

In his interview, Trump spoke broadly about America’s resurgence on the world stage, tying the nation’s rising influence to his optimism for the future of soccer in the U.S.

“[The US] is doing very well on the political stage, on the financial stage. I was just in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE — all the leaders said a year ago your country was dead, and now it’s the hottest country in the world,” Trump said. “It’s really hot. And I think the soccer is going to be hot here too.”

Trump also expressed his belief that international sports—particularly soccer—have the power to build bridges between nations, fostering unity and mutual understanding across borders.

“It’s about unity, a lot of getting together, a lot of love between countries. I guess this is probably the most international sport, so it can really bring the world together.”

Trump joked that FIFA had to commission a new Club World Cup trophy after President Gianni Infantino accidentally left the original in the Oval Office earlier this year—adding with a grin that it blended in perfectly with his gold-accented décor.

When asked to name his pick for the greatest of all time from FIFA’s legendary lineup, Trump chose Brazilian football legend Pelé, fondly recalling how he had the chance to watch him play live as “a young guy”—a moment he said he still cherishes to this day.