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In a surprising cultural shift, former US President Donald Trump has hinted at the possibility of renaming the sport known as “soccer” in America to the internationally accepted term “football.”
This consideration came during the celebrations following Chelsea’s emphatic 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final, held at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey.
Trump, joined by his wife Melania and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, was seen cheering alongside Chelsea fans after goals from Cole Palmer and brilliant saves by Robert Sanchez sealed the trophy for the Premier League side. Speaking during an interview with DAZN, Trump responded affirmatively when asked if the U.S. might adopt “football” in place of “soccer,” saying, “I think we could do that.”
His comments come as the U.S. prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Canada and Mexicoa global spectacle that may catalyze deeper cultural alignment with international football traditions. “It’s a game that brings the world together,” Trump added, emphasizing the sport’s global unifying effect.
The term “soccer” originated over 200 years ago as a British abbreviation for “association football.” While most of the world now simply calls it “football,” the U.S. retains the “soccer” moniker to differentiate it from American football. Other countries like Canada, Australia, and South Africa also use the term “soccer,” though to a lesser extent.
Trump’s interest in rebranding the sport's name aligns with his characteristic style of bold, symbolic gestures. With the World Cup set to return to American soil for the first time since 1994, the timing appears ideal for such a cultural rebranding.
In a lighter moment, Trump was also asked to name the greatest footballer of all time. Skipping over modern icons like Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, he named Brazilian legend Pelé, calling him “a true global ambassador of the game.”
This isn't Trump’s first foray into the world of football. In the 1980s, he owned the New Jersey Generals in the now-defunct USFL (United States Football League). However, his growing public engagement with international football may signal a deeper interest in reshaping the sport’s place in American society.
Reactions to his remarks have been mixed online. Some praised the move as a long-overdue alignment with global standards, while others dismissed it as a political gimmick. Regardless, Trump’s comments have once again sparked debate over America’s naming conventions and cultural stance on global sports.
Whether or not Trump follows through with an executive order remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world will be watching how America embraces the beautiful game as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws closer.
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