Trump Proposes Hosting Another FIFA World Cup in US with China, Excluding Canada and Mexico

Former US President Donald Trump has expressed interest in hosting another FIFA World Cup in the United States, this time proposing to exclude Canada and Mexico as co-hosts and instead consider China as a partner nation. The announcement was made during a press conference with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in New York on July 18.

Implications for Sports and Digital Economy

Trump emphasized that the United States would seek to host the tournament independently or in partnership with China, noting that this arrangement could reduce travel times for players and improve logistics. "Players will have short flights between games, I think they'll like that," Trump stated.

Gianni Infantino, present at the briefing, described the 2026 World Cup—which the US co-hosts with Canada and Mexico—as "the greatest World Cup of all time." He praised Trump's contributions, noting that the success of the event would not have been possible without his involvement.

"Without you, this World Cup wouldn't have been such an incredible success," Infantino said directly to Trump.

Trump hailed the 2026 tournament as "possibly the most successful sporting event in human history," highlighting the growing popularity of soccer in the United States.

Financial and Technological Dimensions

The proposal to host a future World Cup jointly with China raises key questions about the impact on digital infrastructure, payment systems, and related fintech innovations. Such a high-profile international event would require robust cybersecurity measures to protect digital transactions, fan engagement platforms, and broadcast rights management.

Joint hosting with China could also accelerate integration of advanced digital payment technologies, such as mobile wallets and blockchain solutions, given both countries' leadership in fintech development. Additionally, the event could boost demand for cloud services, data analytics, and digital banking solutions to support millions of fans globally.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Trump also expressed gratitude to FIFA for reversing the suspension of US national team player Folarin Balogun, a decision that drew international attention and debate. The former president is expected to attend the final match of the 2026 World Cup at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where he will present the championship trophy.

Looking further ahead, the 2030 World Cup is scheduled to take place across Morocco, Portugal, Spain, and several South American countries, with Saudi Arabia hosting in 2034. The next available hosting opportunity that the United States could bid for is in 2038, making Trump's proposal a forward-looking strategic move.

As the world of sports increasingly intersects with technology and digital economies, the hosting and management of global events like the FIFA World Cup will be a critical test bed for innovations in fintech, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure.