The United States (US) President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that he plans to attend the FIFA World Cup as the global football tournament is set to begin soon.
“I will, I will,” Trump responded when an AFP reporter inquired in the Oval Office about his attendance at any World Cup matches.
He did not provide specifics, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino mentioned that he expects Trump will present the trophy to the winning team at the final on July 19.
The Republican President has sought to leave his mark on the FIFA World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, frequently highlighting his successful bid for it during his first presidential term.
He has also developed a strong friendship with Infantino, who awarded Trump a special peace prize in December, prior to US military actions in Venezuela and Iran.
“I spoke to Gianni this morning… he mentioned that nothing has ever come close” to the success expected from the upcoming tournament, Trump stated.
However, the World Cup has faced several off-field issues, including high ticket prices and an immigration crackdown that has prevented fans, team officials, and a prominent Somali referee from entering the United States.
Somali referee denied entry into the US for FIFA World Cup
A Somali soccer referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, has been denied entry into the United States to officiate at a FIFA World Cup match, thus ending his historic attempt to become the first Somali official to referee in the sport’s largest tournament.
Artan was barred from entering the United States over the weekend, meaning he will not be able to officiate during the World Cup that starts on Thursday, according to FIFA.
Trump has now said that his administration is looking into the matter.
Read more: Somali referee’s World Cup dream ends after US entry denial
