Donald Trump congratulated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino for US election victory with World Cup message

But he's pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in the history of US politics by beating Democrat nominee Kamala Harris.

Trump declared his victory in Palm Beach, Florida to a crowd of his supporters just hours after the result was confirmed.

He said on stage: "We're going to help our country heal.

"We have a country that needs help, and it needs help very badly. We're going to fix our borders.

"We're going to fix everything about our country and we've made history for a reason tonight."

He added: "This is a magnificent victory for the American people that will allow us to 'make America great again'."

Trump will be in power when the United States jointly hosts the 2026 World Cup along with Mexico and Canada.

The 78-year-old played a pivotal role in the United States' bid to host the World Cup in 2026 during his first term as president.

He holds a close relationship with Infantino, who visited Trump three times at the White House.

And the FIFA chief wasted no time in congratulating Trump on his re-election as US President.

“Congratulations, Mr. President!" Infantino said.

"We will have a great FIFA World Cup and a great FIFA Club World Cup in the United States of America! Soccer unites the world."

LATEST SPORT NEWS:

• Martin Brundle makes feelings clear on Lewis Hamilton as Mercedes react to speculation about early departure
• Mike Tyson reveals details of staggering £290m windfall ahead of Jake Paul boxing fight
• Martina Navratilova blasted by fans after falling for fake picture of Imane Khelif

Trump is said to have had a lifelong passion for football, which he reportedly played during his time at military academy.

Speaking back in 2020, Infantino called Trump an 'athlete' who gets things done.

“I’ve been fortunate in my life to meet some of the most talented athletes in soccer, and President Trump is made of the same fiber," he said four years ago.

“He’s a competitor—he wants to compete, he wants to win, he wants to prove who is the best. He says what many people think, but more importantly, he does what he says."