President Trump calls for renaming American football: 'We must find a new name for the NFL'

During the FIFA 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, President Donald Trump suggested that soccer, rather than the NFL, should be considered the true form of football in the United States. He also proposed that the National Football League might need a new name.

Trump appeared on stage at the Kennedy Center with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for the ceremonial group stage draw of the upcoming tournament, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

"When you look at soccer in the United States, we never call it football because we already have a sport called football," Trump said. "But when you think about it, this is football, theres no question. We have to come up with another name for the NFL. It really doesnt make sense."

Following his remarks, the leaders participated in assigning their countries to World Cup groups. The U.S. will compete in Group D, Canada in Group B, and Mexico in Group A, hosting the tournaments opening match on June 11 in Mexico City.

Earlier in the event, Infantino presented Trump with the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize, a gesture highlighting their close relationship, despite the award not receiving FIFA Council approval. The prize comes after Trump did not receive a Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year.

Author: Maya Henderson