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Person kicking a soccer ball | Source: Pexels
Trump Hints at Renaming ‘Soccer’ to ‘Football’ During Surprise Fifa Club World Cup Appearance
In a surprising twist during the FIFA Club World Cup final held on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that the long-standing American term “soccer” might soon be renamed “football” through an executive order, aligning with the terminology used globally for the world’s most popular sport.
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Trump made the comment during an interview with global sports streaming service DAZN, as the newly expanded tournament concluded with Chelsea defeating Paris St. Germain (PSG) 3-0 to claim the title. The president’s remarks came amid a broader celebration of the sport’s increasing visibility and popularity in the United States.
“I think we can do that, I think I could do that,” Trump said when asked about the possibility of issuing an executive order to rename the sport. “They call it ‘football,’ but I guess we call it ‘soccer,’ but that change could be made very easily. But it’s great to watch,” he added, appearing upbeat and enthusiastic during the interview published Monday.
People watching a soccer match | Source: Pexels
Trump’s unanticipated presence at the trophy ceremony added to the spectacle of the event. As Chelsea lifted the FIFA Club World Cup trophy, Trump joined the players on stage, drawing surprise from team members and spectators alike.
Chelsea captain Reece James described the moment as somewhat chaotic, noting, “To be honest it was quite loud. I couldn’t hear too much. He just congratulated me and the team for lifting the trophy and told us to enjoy the moment.” Teammate Cole Palmer, who contributed to all three goals, appeared visibly puzzled by the president’s sudden appearance.
The final match marked the conclusion of the newly restructured FIFA Club World Cup, which saw elite teams from around the globe competing across 12 U.S. venues over the past month. Chelsea’s dominant win not only earned them the prestigious trophy but also a financial windfall of approximately £84 million ($113 million), according to BBC estimates.
Person kicking a soccer ball | Source: Pexels
While the sport is called “football” in most of the world, the term “soccer” remains in common usage in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Trump’s suggestion to change the terminology carries cultural weight, although it remains unclear whether he intends to follow through with the executive action. The White House has not yet commented on the matter, and requests for further clarification are pending.
Despite his well-known “America First” stance, Trump praised the international nature of the sport, highlighting its role in fostering global unity. “The game is about unity, it is about everyone getting together,” he told DAZN. “It is about a lot of love between different international countries. This is the most international sport on the planet, so it can really bring the world together.”
Trump’s evident embrace of the sport coincides with the rising profile of football in the United States, which is set to reach a new peak in 2026 when the country co-hosts the FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada. For now, Trump's comments have added a layer of intrigue to the nation's evolving relationship with the sport — and its name.
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