Former U.S. President Donald Trump has hinted at a possible shift in American sports terminology by suggesting the country could adopt the global term “football” in place of “soccer.”
The idea came during Trump’s appearance at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey, where Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain 3-0.
Trump, accompanied by his wife Melania and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, joined in celebrating the London club’s victory.
Speaking to DAZN, Trump was asked whether the U.S. might drop “soccer” for the internationally recognized “football.” His response:
“I think we could do that.”
This comment has sparked renewed debate as the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico.
A Unifying Game
Trump praised the sport’s global appeal, saying:
“It’s a game that brings the world together.”
When asked to name his all-time greatest player, he bypassed modern icons like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, instead choosing Brazilian legend Pelé.
Context
The term “soccer” originated in Britain in the 19th century as an abbreviation of “association football,” but most of the world now uses “football.” The U.S. remains one of the last countries—alongside Canada, Australia, and South Africa—where “soccer” is the norm, largely due to the popularity of American football.
If Trump’s comment materializes into a formal push or executive action (should he return to office), it could mark a significant cultural shift ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
