Trump says USA will host World Cup and Olympics due to 'rigged election'

Donald Trump said the U.S. will host the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics because “they rigged the election,” linking the claim to his loss in 2020 to Joe Biden. Speaking at a FIFA reception in New York, he argued he “was supposed to not be here right now,” and repeated his unsubstantiated assertions about election theft, including claims involving foreign meddling and a “deep state” cover-up. The remarks come ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November, when Republicans could lose control of one or both congressional chambers. Trump said the U.S. secured the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico and the 2028 summer Olympics in Los Angeles. At the FIFA event in Trump Tower, he also referenced a controversial decision involving U.S. striker Folarin Balogun’s red card reversal after his red card against Bosnia, saying it removed controversy in the team’s match against Belgium. He is scheduled to attend Sunday’s final between Spain and Argentina.