Goodbye to soccer and the NFL? Trump launches a radical proposal

President Donald Trump once again sparked controversy by proposing a radical change in how soccer is named in the United States, even suggesting modifying the name of the NFL.

The proposal reopens the cultural debate over the use of the term “soccer” in the United States, just ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The proposal that sparked controversy

Trump wants “soccer” to be called “football.”

During the 2026 World Cup draw, the president insisted that the sport should adopt the name used internationally. According to his position, the current term creates confusion with American football.

The NFL enters the debate Trump started

The proposal went beyond language.

Trump even suggested that the NFL should change its name to avoid contradictions, arguing that it makes no sense for American football to keep that designation while “soccer” retains a different name.

Context ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The debate arises at a key moment.

The United States will be one of the main hosts of the 2026 World Cup, which has fueled conversations about the identity of the sport in the country, where historically the term “soccer” has been used to distinguish it from American football.

The origin of the term in the United States

The difference has historical roots.

While most of the world uses “football,” in the United States the rise of American football led to the popularization of the term “soccer” to differentiate the two sports.

A cultural discussion more than a sporting one