In a surreal moment that has captivated global audiences, former US President Donald Trump offered a warm, televised greeting to the people of Colombia during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony. This public declaration of affection comes just days after escalating diplomatic tensions, where Trump's remarks about potential military action against drug-producing nations prompted a fierce response from Colombian leadership.
A Bizarre Ceremony and a Viral Greeting
The incident unfolded on the red carpet at the World Cup 2026 draw in Washington DC on Friday, December 5, 2025. Trump, who was a central figure at the event and even received a FIFA Peace Prize, engaged with international press. When approached by a reporter from Colombian network RCN, he was asked to say hello to viewers back home.
"Hello, is this Colombia?" Trump inquired with a smile before enthusiastically stating, "I love Colombia! Hello Colombia!" The brief, cheerful exchange was captured on video and rapidly spread across social media platforms.
Sharp Contrast to Diplomatic Warnings
This lighthearted moment stands in stark contrast to the serious geopolitical friction reported earlier in the week. Trump had previously suggested that any nation he believed was producing illegal drugs for trafficking into the United States could be liable for military attack. He specifically mentioned strikes on Venezuela starting 'very soon' and singled out Colombia as a possible target.
The response from Colombian President Gustavo Petro was swift and severe. On social media, Petro warned Trump that he threatened to 'wake the jaguar', adding, "To threaten our sovereignty is to declare war; do not damage two centuries of diplomatic relations." Trump's red carpet comments did not address this diplomatic rift.
Trump's Football Credentials and Visa Assurance
During the same media interaction, Trump was quizzed on his personal connection to football. He revealed, "I played soccer - believe it or not. I loved it," though he humourously conceded he was no Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi. He expressed honour at the United States hosting the 2026 tournament, noting record-breaking ticket sales.
On a practical note for international fans, Trump addressed concerns over travel visas. His administration has enforced strict migration policies and travel bans affecting some qualified nations, including Iran and Haiti. However, he stated that the US would "make it very easy for them" to attend, claiming embassies had been instructed to prioritise applications for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics. He concluded his remarks by wishing Latin American teams good luck.
The episode presents a jarring juxtaposition: a leader publicly praising a nation on a global sporting stage while simultaneously engaging in rhetoric that has brought diplomatic relations to a tense precipice. The viral clip, devoid of any reference to the underlying conflict, highlights the complex intersection of geopolitics and major international sporting events.
