Honestly, the headlines lately have been a complete mess. If you've spent even five minutes on social media this week, you’ve probably seen some version of the claim that Donald Trump stole the World Cup. It sounds like the plot of a bad political thriller or a very weird fever dream. But because we're living in 2026 and the actual FIFA World Cup is just months away, the rumors are flying faster than a Kylian Mbappé sprint.
So, did he actually "steal" it? Well, sort of, but not in the way you’re thinking. We aren't talking about a heist at FIFA headquarters. The truth is actually weirder and involves a gold trophy sitting in the Oval Office while the actual winning team celebrated with a "stunt double."
The Trophy in the Oval Office: What People Get Wrong
The phrase "Trump stole the World Cup" really caught fire after the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final held at MetLife Stadium. Chelsea had just dismantled Paris Saint-Germain 3-0. It was a massive win for the London club, but the post-game ceremony became an instant meme for all the wrong reasons.
Instead of the focus being on Cole Palmer or Reece James, the spotlight was dominated by President Trump. He didn't just present the trophy; he basically joined the team. He was standing front and center, clapping and smiling, while the actual players—the guys who actually ran for 90 minutes—were shuffled to the background.
But here is the kicker: Trump later claimed in an interview with DAZN that the trophy Chelsea lifted on that stage wasn't even the original.
"They said, 'Could you hold this trophy for a little while? We put it in the Oval Office,'" Trump told the broadcaster. "And then I said, 'When are you going to pick up the trophy?' He [Gianni Infantino] says, 'We’re never gonna pick it up. You can have it forever... We’re making a new one.'"
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So, technically, the "original" gold, gyroscope-like trophy designed by Tiffany & Co. is currently sitting on a desk in Washington D.C. FIFA reportedly minted a replica for Chelsea to keep in their trophy room. When fans say Trump "stole" the cup, they’re usually talking about this specific, bizarre exchange of hardware.
Why the 2026 World Cup Feels Like "The Trump Cup"
Beyond the physical trophy drama, there is a much bigger political tug-of-war happening. We are currently in the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.
Trump has been very vocal about his "personal responsibility" for bringing the tournament to North America. While the bid was actually won back in 2018 during his first term, his return to office has fundamentally changed how the tournament is being run.
The White House Task Force
In March 2025, Trump signed an Executive Order establishing a White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. This isn't just a ceremonial group. It’s chaired by the President himself, with Vice President J.D. Vance as the Vice Chair.
The task force is involved in:
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- Coordinating security across the 16 host cities.
- Managing the massive logistical nightmare of 104 matches.
- Handling the "tensions" between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada regarding trade and tariffs, which Trump has claimed actually makes the tournament "more exciting."
The Controversy: Visa Bans and #BoycottWorldCup
This is where things get messy and where the "stolen" narrative turns from a joke about a trophy into a serious political debate.
Just this week, the administration announced a freeze on immigrant visa processing for citizens of 75 countries. While this technically applies to immigrant visas and not the tourist visas fans use, the global perception has been brutal. On social media, #BoycottWorldCup started trending, with viral posts claiming that 17,000 fans canceled their tickets overnight.
FIFA has come out and called those reports "false." Actually, the demand for the 2026 tournament is hitting record highs—roughly 500 million ticket requests according to latest figures. However, the tension is real. There are legitimate concerns for fans from countries like Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Iran, who face much stricter screening and a new $250 "visa integrity fee."
Is the Tournament Actually at Risk?
Some critics, like Leander Schaerlaeckens writing for The Guardian, have argued that the tournament is being "leveraged for the glorification of a leader" in a way we haven't seen in decades. They point to the fact that FIFA recently opened an office in Trump Tower in New York City as evidence of a "too close for comfort" relationship between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and the White House.
Despite the rhetoric, the games are moving forward. The schedule is set, the stadiums are being prepped, and the money is flowing. Trump even threatened to move matches out of cities he deems "unsafe" or "sanctuary cities," but FIFA ultimately holds the contract on match locations. It’s a game of chicken between Zurich and Washington.
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Practical Realities for Fans
If you are planning to attend, here is the "non-political" reality of what you need to know:
- Check Your Visa Status Early: Don't wait. With the new 2026 restrictions, processing times are wildly unpredictable. Some countries are seeing estimates of over 400 days.
- The "Integrity Fee": If you're coming from a country not in the Visa Waiver Program (like Brazil, Nigeria, or China), expect that extra $250 fee on top of your application.
- Cross-Border Travel: While the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are co-hosting, they are not a single "Schengen-style" zone. You will need proper documentation for each border crossing.
What’s the Verdict?
Did Trump "steal" the World Cup? No. But he did keep the Club World Cup trophy, he has effectively "branded" the 2026 tournament as his own project, and his policies are currently the biggest talking point in international football.
Whether you love the showmanship or hate the politics, the 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be the most expensive, most controversial, and most "American" sporting event in history.
Next Steps for You:
If you're an international fan, your first priority is checking the U.S. State Department’s updated 2026 travel advisory list. Ensure your country isn't on the "Integrity Fee" list or the 75-country processing freeze before you book non-refundable flights. For those already holding tickets, monitor the FIFA official resale platform, as it is the only legitimate way to recoup costs if travel restrictions change your plans.