'Can I keep it?': Donald Trump jokes about keeping FIFA trophy during Oval Office chat with Infantino; describes it as 'a beautiful piece of gold'

US President Donald Trump held the FIFA Club World Cup trophy at the White House on Friday, joking about keeping it as he announced Washington’s Kennedy Centre will host the draw for the 2026 World Cup .

During the Oval Office meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in front of the media, the official reminded Trump of the trophy’s tradition. “Only the FIFA president, presidents of countries, and then those who win can touch it, because it’s for winners only. And since you are a winner, of course you can as well touch it,” Infantino said.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino lets @POTUS hold the 2026 FIFA World Cup trophy in the Oval Office:

"It's for winners only — and since you are a winner, of course you can as well touch it..."

"Can I keep it?" 🤣 pic.twitter.com/JqV8hoEUpO

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 22, 2025

Trump, holding the golden trophy, replied with a grin, “Can I keep it?”, drawing laughter in the room.

He continued and said, “We are not giving it back. It fits very well right on the wall over there.”

Before handing the trophy back to Infantino, he said, “That’s a beautiful piece of gold.”

In addition to this playful exchange, Trump elaborated on the 48-team tournament’s draw venue and unveiled the details.

As per news agency AP, the president described the Kennedy Centre event as a “phenomenal kickoff” for the World Cup, likening the tournament’s 104 matches to multiple Super Bowls . When asked if he would personally conduct the draw, Trump deferred to Infantino, who called the idea “a very interesting proposal.”

Trump’s remarks came amid his recent chairmanship of the Kennedy Centre, where he has replaced the board with loyalists and hinted at renaming the venue the “Trump/Kennedy Centre.”