Donald Trump is once again mixing politics with sports, and this time, it’s about what Americans call “soccer.” Speaking during a recent interview, Donald Trump suggested he’d be open to officially adopting the international name “football” for the sport, joining the rest of the world and nudging America further into global alignment.
“They call it ‘football,’ but I guess we call it ‘soccer,’ but that change could be made very easily. But it’s great to watch,” – Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump reacts on stage during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
It’s a rare bit of cultural flexibility from Donald Trump, who’s usually protective of American traditions. But with FIFA events drawing record crowds in the U.S. and the sport’s popularity continuing to grow, especially after the 2026 World Cup, it’s no surprise even Trump is entertaining the idea.
“I think we can do that, I think I could do that.” – Donald Trump
Of course, this also stirs the pot in a country where “football” already means helmets, shoulder pads, and Sunday tailgates. While global football fans may applaud Trump’s comments, diehard NFL loyalists might not be so quick to hand over the name.
Donald Trump
[Subscription Customers Only] Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC defender Reece James (24) lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the FIFA Club World Cup as U.S. President Donald Trump looks on after the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images
Still, it’s not the first time Donald Trump has tried to align with soccer’s growing footprint. He’s made appearances at major matches, praised FIFA’s reach, and seems increasingly aware of the political capital sports carry, especially among younger, more diverse voter blocks.
For a man who built much of his brand on “making America great again,” leaning into a global sports term might be the most unexpected move of all.
Donald Trump Says Washington Redskins Name Should Have Stayed
As debates continue over sports team names, Donald Trump has made it clear where he stands on the former Washington Redskins. During a media appearance, Trump said he would’ve kept the name and questioned the decision to change it at all.
“Well, you want me to make a controversial statement? I would. I wouldn’t have changed the name. But that’s their — it just doesn’t have the same ring to me.” – Donald Trump
Donald Trump
Jul 13, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; U.S. President Donald Trump on stage during the final of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
He’s often spoken out against teams and companies that switch names because of public backlash or calls for political correctness. In his view, those kinds of changes are pointless and give in too easily. Donald Trump’s take on the name change shows how strongly he sticks to old-school traditions.
The Washington NFL team changed its name to the Commanders after years of protests and campaigns from Indigenous groups and allies who found the original moniker offensive. But Trump continues to frame the move as a loss of identity, branding, and history.
In typical fashion, Donald Trump tied the issue back to his ongoing critique of American culture’s shift toward political correctness.
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