The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani presented a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 ball to US President Donald Trump during a state banquet at Lusail Palace on May 14, 2025. Photo: Gianni Infantino - FIFA President @gianni_infantino on Instagram
Doha: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani presented a football from the 2022 FIFA World Cup to US President Donald Trump during a state banquet at Lusail Palace on May 14, 2025.
The gesture, made during Trump’s visit to Qatar, comes as the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, prepares to host the next World Cup in 2026.
Image: Gianni Infantino - FIFA President @gianni_infantino on Instagram
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared photos on his Instagram handle, writing:
“In 2022, everyone present felt Qatar’s warmth and hospitality as the tournament brought cultures and people from all over the world together, uniting them through our beautiful game.
No doubt this will also be the case across all host countries in 2026. It’s clear to see that football unites people, unites countries, and unites the world.”
The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and FIFA president Gianni Infantino (left) look on as US President Donald Trump holds an autographed soccer ball following a state dinner at Lusail Palace in Doha on May 14, 2025. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP
The 2026 World Cup will be the first to feature 48 teams and will take place across multiple cities in North America.
Qatar’s successful hosting of the World Cup set new standards for fan experience, infrastructure, and international cooperation, which organizers of the next tournament aim to build upon as the countdown to 2026 continues.
