The White House has officially thrown its weight behind England to lift the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy, following the United States’ elimination from the tournament they co-hosted.
Andrew Giuliani, who serves as US President Donald Trump’s representative on World Cup affairs, made the declaration in comments to a British newspaper on Monday.
“If the United States can’t win on our 250th birthday, then a great storyline would be the English coming to America and winning during our anniversary celebrations,” Giuliani said.
His words carry weight. The US, Canada, and Mexico jointly hosted this year’s tournament, and Washington had staked considerable national pride on a deep run by the Americans.
White House Eyes England as Worthy 2026 World Cup Champions
Giuliani did not stop at sentiment. He made a direct assessment of England’s chances, saying the Three Lions are among the strongest teams still standing in the competition.
“I do absolutely think England can go all the way. They are one of the top teams left now,” he said.
He also confirmed that Trump has been tracking Harry Kane’s performances throughout the tournament, describing the England captain as one of the players capable of driving the side to a first World Cup title in 60 years.
Giuliani recalled a golf outing between Trump and former England captain Wayne Rooney, offering that episode as evidence of the president’s genuine interest in football.
The comments came shortly after Kane himself revealed he had been on the golf course with Trump in Florida in late 2024. Kane described the encounter as “a pretty surreal experience” and spoke warmly of the US president’s ability with a club in hand.
“I hope I can play golf as good as him when I’m his age,” Kane said.
The England striker did not elaborate further on what was discussed during that meeting.
Kane and England Face Argentina Semi-Final Test
England’s 2026 World Cup campaign now arrives at its most demanding stage. Thomas Tuchel’s side face defending champions Argentina in the semi-final at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Wednesday.
The Three Lions reached the last four after beating Norway 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Argentina, inspired by Lionel Messi, saw off Switzerland 3-1 to book their place in the same round.
The winner of Wednesday’s tie will meet either France or Spain in Sunday’s final.
England have not won a World Cup since 1966. That wait has stretched across six decades and multiple near-misses, including a penalty shootout exit at the 2018 edition in Russia and a final defeat to Italy at Euro 2020.
Giuliani acknowledged the weight of that history, describing a potential England triumph as something that would resonate beyond football.
“It’s been 60 years of hurt, I gather, for England, so that would be a beautiful victory for them if they won the tournament,” he said.
The semi-final against Argentina sets up one of the most high-profile clashes of the entire tournament. Argentina enter as the reigning world champions, having won the title in Qatar in 2022. Messi, now in the final phase of his international career, remains the central figure in their attack.
England’s coaching staff have not publicly disclosed their tactical approach for the match. Details of Tuchel’s preparation were not immediately available.
Trump’s Football Interest Adds Political Dimension to World Cup Run
The White House’s open support for England adds an unusual political dimension to what remains a sporting contest. Trump has used the 2026 World Cup, which he championed in its bid phase, as a platform to project American hospitality and national confidence.
With the US team out of contention, Giuliani’s endorsement of England shifts the administration’s public rooting interest firmly to one of America’s oldest allies.
Whether that translates into any tangible support beyond words remains to be seen. England’s players and coaching staff have not publicly responded to the White House’s backing.
The semi-final between England and Argentina kicks off on Wednesday. A place in the 2026 World Cup final is the prize.
