President Trump on Monday discussed improving equality in women’s soccer during a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino at the White House
“Gianni and I just had a meeting on women’s soccer and what everybody’s going to do to make that even better and more equitable, etc.,” Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a trip to North Carolina.{mosads}
He stood side-by-side with Infantino, who promised the global soccer organization would soon unveil “some new initiatives” to boost the women’s game.
“Women’s soccer, where you are world champions, there is much more to do,” Infantino said. “The president was saying this to me, and he is right.”
All 28 members of the U.S. women’s team filed a lawsuit in March against the U.S. Soccer Federation alleging discrimination in pay and resources based on gender. The women’s team won the 2015 and 1999 World Cups, while the men have never won a World Cup title.
Monday marked the first time Trump publicly acknowledged he is engaged in efforts to address disparities in pay and resources between men’s and women’s soccer, an issue highlighted during the U.S. women’s national team’s recent victory.
Trump feuded with co-captain Megan Rapinoe during the team’s run through the World Cup in June. It’s unclear whether the team will be invited to celebrate at the White House, or how many players would attend if such an invitation was issued.
Trump recently hosted Infantino for a meeting at his Bedminster, N.J., golf club. The U.S. is set to host the 2026 men’s World Cup as part of a joint agreement with Canada and Mexico.
The president quipped on Monday that he would need to extend his potential second term so that he can be in office when the tournament takes place in the U.S.