When Politics Meets the Pitch: Ted Cruz, Donald Trump and the FIFA World Cup Talk

It wasn’t a typical campaign rally, and it certainly wasn’t a press conference about legislation. In a modestly lit room at a Washington D.C. hotel, Sen. Ted Cruz (R‑TX) and former President Donald J. Trump found themselves chatting about something far from the usual political script – the FIFA World Cup.

“We’ve got a chance to show the world what America can do,” Cruz said, his voice steady but with the occasional pause that suggested he was picking his words carefully. Trump, leaning back in his chair, nodded, his characteristic grin returning as he added, “The world’s biggest soccer party is coming, and we want it right here. No one knows how to host a party like we do.”

The conversation, which lasted just under an hour, bounced between the logistics of the 2026 tournament – already set to be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico – and the lingering shadow of FIFA’s corruption scandals. Both men agreed that, despite the federation’s messy past, the World Cup could be a massive boost for American soccer, tourism, and even the nation’s global image.

“FIFA has had its… issues,” Trump admitted, the ellipsis catching a fleeting smile. “But look, they’ve been cleaning up. We’re not going to let a few bad apples ruin an event that brings billions of fans together.” Cruz echoed the sentiment, noting that the U.S. could use the tournament as a platform to showcase its own commitment to transparency and good governance.

When pressed about the ongoing investigations into former FIFA officials, Cruz said, “We’ll keep an eye on it, of course. Our role is to make sure the games are fair, the venues are ready, and the fans stay safe.” He stressed that the Senate’s oversight committees were prepared to monitor any financial or ethical concerns that might arise.

Trump, never one to shy away from a bold claim, suggested that the United States could even push for reforms within FIFA, leveraging the 2026 event as a bargaining chip. “We’ve got the biggest voice on the planet,” he said, “and if we ask nicely—or firmly—we can get some changes made.” Cruz nodded, adding that such influence could help elevate the sport domestically, especially at the youth level where soccer participation has been on a steady rise.

The pair also touched on the potential economic windfall. According to recent studies, the 2026 World Cup could inject anywhere from $15 billion to $20 billion into the U.S. economy, creating jobs and spurring infrastructure projects. “It’s not just about the games,” Cruz emphasized, “it’s about building stadiums, improving transit, and leaving a legacy for the next generation.”

In a lighter moment, Trump asked Cruz whether he’d consider learning some basic Spanish phrases for the tournament. Cruz laughed, replying, “I already know a few—‘¡Vamos!’ and ‘¡Goooool!’ should do the trick.” The two shared a brief chuckle before the discussion returned to more serious matters.

While the meeting didn’t produce any immediate policy announcements, it signaled that high‑profile political figures are paying close attention to the world’s most popular sport. For soccer fans across America, the prospect of a well‑run, highly visible World Cup is a welcome prospect, especially after years of mixed results on the international stage.

As the conversation wrapped up, Cruz offered a final thought that summed up the mood of the meeting: “It’s about pride, it’s about opportunity, and it’s about showing that America can lead, not just in politics, but in sport as well.” Trump’s parting remark was simple and optimistic: “We’re going to make soccer great again.”