Trump Repeats Election Fraud Claims at FIFA Event: "I Shouldn't Be Here"

▲ President Trump speaks at a FIFA reception as Gianni Infantino looks on.

U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his claims of election fraud during a FIFA event held ahead of the 2026 North American World Cup final.

Speaking at a FIFA reception in Manhattan, New York, on Friday, President Trump noted that he was the sitting president when the U.S. won the bid to co-host this World Cup with Mexico and Canada in 2018, stating, "I shouldn't be here right now."

He meant that after losing the 2020 presidential election and winning reelection in 2024, he ended up serving his second term during the year the World Cup is being held.

"I should have been president for eight years (consecutively), but they rigged the election," he said, repeating his claim that his 2020 election defeat was due to voter fraud.

He continued, "So what did I get? I got the World Cup. I also got the Olympics (to be held in 2028)."

In a national address delivered the previous night, President Trump also repeated his claims that the 2020 election was rigged, while announcing the results of a U.S. government investigation alleging that China intervened to ensure his defeat.

President Trump also addressed the controversy surrounding his attempt to "save" U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun, stating, "The most unforgettable moment during the World Cup was when that player (Balogun) was given a red card."

"That is why I had no choice but to call Gianni," he said.

He was referring to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with whom he has a close relationship, and who was standing next to him during the speech.

Balogun received a red card for stepping on an opponent's ankle during the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, which barred him from playing in the Round of 16. However, FIFA suspended the penalty for one year, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.

It was reported that President Trump had called President Infantino to request a review of the decision, sparking controversy.

President Trump emphasized that during his call with President Infantino, he said, "Gianni, I want to make a suggestion," but insisted he did not explicitly demand, "Let that player keep playing."

"It turned out much better that way," he added. "They (the opposing team) won the game, and our team (lost)."

President Trump also joked that President Infantino had said, "Maybe China and the U.S. could co-host next time," adding, "Then we could have a very short flight between games. The players would love that."

President Trump is scheduled to stay at his villa in New Jersey this weekend and attend the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, which will be held at the New York/New Jersey stadium on Sunday, July 19.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)

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