A lip reading expert has revealed what they think Donald Trump said to world leaders during the eventful FIFA World Cup 2026 draw.
The US president was awarded the peace prize at the World Cup draw on Friday (5 December) by football’s global governing body.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has appeared to form a bond with Trump, has faced backlash from human rights campaigners who urged him not to hand him the prize.
Campaigners have argued in a joint statement that the peace prize - which is designed to celebrate 'exceptional contributions to peace and unity' - has been awarded 'against a backdrop of escalating attacks on human rights and civil freedoms, including violent detentions of immigrants, crackdowns on freedom of expression'.
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Despite the criticism, Infantino has praised the Republican leader for his role in the Middle East peace negotiations, while the US is still working to bring an end to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
During the ceremony in Washington, D.C, Trump claimed he saved 'tens of millions of lives' through his interventions.
"This is truly one of the great honours of my life," he said, alleging that the 2026 World Cup that will be held across North America has set new record ticket sales.
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The Village People took to the stage to perform 'YMCA' on the night, and Trump appeared to be loving what's known to have become his 'signature song'.
Footage of him dancing to the track, used previously in political gatherings and during his Presidential inauguration, has since gone viral online.
And as he sat in the stands, it appears he tried to convince First Lady Melania Trump to sing or dance along.
“I love this,” Trump said to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, according to forensic lip reader Jeremy Freeman.
“Come on, they make me happy,” Trump told both Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, claims the UK-based expert who spoke to the New York Post.
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“Come on, join in,” he then appears to tell Melania.
It comes after Victor Willis, the group’s lead singer, told Fox & Friends last year that Trump 'seems to genuinely like the song'.
“[Trump] seemed to be bringing so much joy to the American people with this use of 'YMCA',” Willis said.
Sporting fans commenting on the event, however, were not impressed by the whole event.
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"If you are going to get someone to host a Fifa World cup draw event... at least get someone who knows football. What a hard watch," one said on X.
"This must be the worst football draw of all time, let alone the fifa world cup," another penned.
The 2026 World Cup held in the US, Canada and Mexico will begin on 11 June.
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, Sport, Football, US News
Anish Vij