'Tension's a good thing!' - President Donald Trump makes bizarre claim about tariff row with Mexico and Canada ahead of hosting 2026 World Cup alongside neighbours

The USA are all set to host the 2026 World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada amid political and economic tensions between the neighbouring countries. US president Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on goods imported from the two countries and has now made a bizarre statement ahead of co-hosting the event.

Speaking to reporters, the US president said: "I think it's going to make it more exciting. Tension's a good thing, I think it makes it much more exciting."

The 2026 edition of the World Cup will see an expanded tournament with 16 cities set to host the matches. Eleven out of those 16 venues will be in America, while Toronto and Vancouver have been selected from Canada. Three Mexican cities, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey will host the remainder of the matches. The curtain-raiser will be held at Mexico City's iconic Azteca Stadium on June 11, 2026, and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey will host the final on July 19.

Before the World Cup next year, the US will play host to the inaugural edition of the new FIFA Club World Cup which kicks off on June 14.