Cristiano Ronaldo will visit the White House for talks with President Trump as Portugal advances to the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
US President Donald Trump is expected to welcome football star Cristiano Ronaldo to the White House on Tuesday November 18, 2025, in a meeting that has drawn global attention as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify. The visit comes shortly after Portugal secured qualification for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
White House officials confirmed that Ronaldo’s appearance is scheduled for the same day Trump will hold talks with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While the timing has raised questions about possible links between the two meetings, officials have not clarified whether the discussions are connected. Ronaldo currently plays for Al-Nassr, a major club in the Saudi Pro League.
The encounter signals another high-profile moment in Trump’s engagement with international football. During his presidency he has previously hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino multiple times, underscoring Washington’s growing involvement in global preparations for the 2026 World Cup.
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Reports from The Mirror US suggest that Ronaldo’s team may also be exploring the possibility of a friendly match against the US men’s national team ahead of next year’s tournament. No formal announcement has been made, but such a match would likely draw significant international interest.
Ronaldo has spoken publicly about his desire to meet Trump, telling interviewer Piers Morgan that he sees the US leader as someone capable of influencing efforts toward global stability. Morgan revealed that Ronaldo once sent Trump a signed jersey bearing the message, “President Donald J. Trump, playing for peace.” Reflecting on that gesture, the footballer said, “If the world is at peace, that’s our goal. He’s one of the people who can change or help change the world. And that’s my main objective: to meet Trump and talk about world peace.”
Trump has framed the 2026 World Cup as a major economic opportunity for the United States, predicting revenues exceeding $30 billion. Speaking to reporters, he described the event as “an incredibly significant economic opportunity,” comparing its global reach to “many Super Bowls” taking place at once. He said the economic boost would more than offset the effects of a recent government shutdown, which he blamed on Democrats.
Reflecting on the World Cup bid, Trump remarked that he had not expected to still be in office by the time preparations began. “I was supposed to be retired by then,” he said. “I got a little lucky. We have the Olympics coming too. That’ll be great.”