The 2026 World Cup draw had barely begun before President Donald Trump turned the global spotlight into another commentary on American sports culture. On a stage meant to celebrate nations, balls, brackets, and international football royalty, Trump instead took aim at the country’s most powerful sports league. With a grin and a dramatic pause, he questioned why the United States calls its most popular sport “football” at all, given that the rest of the world reserves that name for soccer. His comments echoed through a crowd already hyped for the country’s first co-hosted World Cup, drawing cheers and social media buzz before a single match was discussed.
Donald Trump’s push to rename American football adds drama to World Cup excitement
The President’s words landed with the kind of theatrical flair usually reserved for primetime NFL broadcasts. “When you look at football in the U.S., soccer in the U.S., we seem to never to call it that because we have a little bit of a conflict with another thing that’s called football,” Trump said. “But when you think about it, shouldn’t it really be called football? We have to come up with another name for the NFL.”For a nation preparing to welcome 48 teams across three host countries, Trump’s comment instantly sparked debate: is it time for the NFL to surrender the term “football,” or was this another headline-grabbing showmanship moment? For decades, Americans have defended their version of football with near-religious loyalty, especially as the league dominates television, culture, and holiday traditions.Donald Trump’s history with the sport makes the remark even more intriguing. Reports earlier this year claimed he wanted a new Washington Commanders stadium named after himself, showing he’s no stranger to inserting personal branding into gridiron conversations. Now his playful challenge brings new attention to a World Cup already projected to break attendance and viewership records as the U.S. draws a group featuring Australia, Paraguay, and a European playoff winner.Whether his suggestion sparks genuine change or remains just another viral soundbite, Trump managed to do what the NFL itself does best: command attention, even on a global soccer stage.Also Read: “Mentally off”: Fans erupt after Jordon Hudson files FOIA request on behalf of Bill Belichick amid Pablo Torre controversy
