In a moment that has both amused and surprised fans around the world, former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could officially stop calling it "soccer" and start calling it "football" — aligning with the global norm.
Speaking to DAZN after attending the FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Trump joked that the terminology could be changed with the stroke of a pen:
“They call it ‘football,’ but I guess we call it ‘soccer,’ but that change could be made very easily,” he laughed. “It’s great to watch.”
While the remark may not have been a formal policy declaration, it’s yet another sign that "the Beautiful Game" is gaining ground in America — especially with the U.S. co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
Trump quips about signing executive order mandating soccer be called ‘football’ in America: ‘I think we could do that’ https://t.co/FvtPf7Jiab pic.twitter.com/mXMcRhqf1w
— New York Post (@nypost) July 14, 2025
Trump’s Unexpected Cameo at the Club World Cup Final
Trump’s comments came after his surprise appearance on stage with the Chelsea players, who had just completed a dominant 3-0 win over PSG to win the newly-expanded Club World Cup. His sudden involvement in the trophy presentation left players and fans equally stunned.
Missed the madness? Here’s our breakdown of the moment
Chelsea’s captain Reece James admitted he couldn’t hear what Trump said due to the noise, while Cole Palmer, who was directly involved in all three goals, looked visibly confused.
For a full recap of Chelsea’s victory and Palmer’s standout performance, read this.
Chelsea’s Historic Win — and Huge Payday
Chelsea not only lifted the trophy but walked away with a massive £84 million (~$113 million) prize for their efforts — one of the largest payouts ever in club football history.
We broke down Chelsea’s full prize haul here.
Their win also reignited the conversation about 21st-century dominance, with the Blues now officially the most successful English club of the modern era.
See the full trophy breakdown in our feature.
"Football" on the Rise in the U.S.?
Trump’s fascination with the sport may have caught many off guard, but his comments about football being a “game of unity” and “international love” speak to the global power of the sport — a sentiment rarely seen in American political discourse.
Chelsea defender Levi Colwill made headlines for claiming that the Club World Cup could eventually overtake the Champions League in global prestige.
Read Colwill’s bold statement here
The Bigger Picture
With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and the Club World Cup already making waves, football (or soccer?) is undeniably growing in the U.S.
And if Trump — a figure known for shaping national narratives — is championing the sport and even floating terminology changes, perhaps we’re closer than ever to seeing "football" become the standard name in America, too.
💬 What do you think? Should the U.S. finally drop “soccer” for “football”? Or is the identity too ingrained to change?
