Overview
- In red-carpet interviews, Trump said he once played the sport and had "a little bit more speed" than Messi and Ronaldo in his youth.
- From the stage, he argued the sport should be called football in the United States and said the NFL game should be renamed, while accepting FIFA's inaugural Peace Prize.
- On Truth Social, he wrote that Cristiano Ronaldo called to express thanks and he described the Portuguese star as an "incredible" athlete and person.
- The White House previously released footage showing Trump hosting Ronaldo during a November visit as part of the Saudi Crown Prince's delegation.
- FIFA has confirmed Ronaldo will be available at the start of the 2026 World Cup, with Portugal placed in Group K and set to base in Miami for the group stage.