President Donald Trump Wants NFL To Change Its Name
You can always count on Donald Trump to stir the pot, even in the world of sports. Just when you thought the “soccer versus football” debate had been kicked into touch for good, the president lobbed a grenade right into the middle of the pitch.
During the much-anticipated 2026 World Cup draw, Trump, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, decided it was the perfect moment to reignite one of sports’ most enduring (and, let’s be honest, slightly silly) arguments.
“This is football,” Trump declared with his signature confidence, gesturing to the global spectacle. “We have to come up with another name for the NFL stuff.” You could almost hear the collective groan from every sports bar in America. It was a classic Trump moment—a blend of humor, audacity, and a complete disregard for the status quo that left everyone talking.
Trump’s Sideline Commentary
While the main event was about drawing the groups for the 2026 tournament, Trump couldn’t resist the opportunity to offer his two cents on linguistics. “When you think about it, it really doesn’t make sense,” he said. For a moment, it felt less like a formal FIFA event and more like a comedy roast of American sports terminology.
Let’s face it, he has a point, even if it’s one made a million times over. Soccer is played with your feet. American football… well, it involves a lot more hands than feet. But suggesting the NFL, a cultural and financial behemoth, should just “come up with another name” is like telling baseball to get rid of hot dogs. It’s bold, it’s hilarious, and it’s never going to happen.
The comment wasn’t just a throwaway line; it was a performance. It got the crowd buzzing and gave sports writers everywhere an easy headline. While the world was waiting to see who the USMNT would face, Trump was busy trying to rename an entire sport. Never a dull moment.
The Bigger Picture: World Cup Comes to America
Beyond the naming controversy, the event was a massive moment for soccer in the United States. The USMNT was drawn into Group D, setting the stage for what will be a monumental tournament hosted across North America. The presence of Trump, alongside Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, highlighted the unprecedented scale of this co-hosted event.
Trump’s playful jab at the NFL was, in its own way, a nod to soccer’s booming popularity in the States. He acknowledged the “conflict” in naming because soccer is no longer a niche sport here; it’s a mainstream force.
So, while the NFL isn’t changing its name anytime soon, Trump certainly gave everyone something to chuckle about. In an otherwise formal ceremony, his off-the-cuff remark added a uniquely American-style spectacle to the beautiful game. You have to hand it to him; the man knows how to grab a headline, whether he’s in the Oval Office or on the World Cup stage.
