THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

How FIFA turned the World Cup into the biggest grift in sports Soccer How FIFA turned the World Cup into the biggest grift in sports The World Cup is rotten, but we’ll watch it anyway. by Oliver Fox Apr 29, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC Facebook Link Gianni Infantino, president of the Federation International Football Association (FIFA), at the Semafor World Economy Summit during the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Spring meetings in Washington, DC, US, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. The International Monetary Fund downgraded its growth projection for the year after the war in the Middle East triggered a major oil shock and included the possibility of a downturn if the conflict drags on and energy infrastructure is severally damaged. Photographer: Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images Bloomberg via Getty Images Oliver Fox has been writing about the NBA, NFL, MLB, and tennis since 2021. The FIFA World Cup is the world’s richest clown show. Recently run by people investigated for international criminal conspiracy, now run by people who ask to be treated like the Pope on a visit to Canada . Bought and paid for by dictators for decades , sustained by those who see its mandate…

Trump threatens to take away World Cup matches from Democratic cities ... Infantino’s oval Office Visits: A Political Play or FIFA ‘s Future? Table of Contents Infantino’s oval Office Visits: A Political Play or FIFA’s Future? Trump’s FIFA Pressure: A Risky Game for Soccer’s Independence The “Quid Pro Quo” Question what’s at Stake for FIFA? Potential Repercussions and Future Investigations The Unseen Edge: How Data Analytics is Revolutionizing sports Performance Beyond the Hype: What Data Analytics Actually Does From the Court to the Diamond: Analytics Across the Board The Human Element: Where Analytics Meets Intuition Addressing the Skeptics: Counterarguments and Considerations The Future is Now: What’s Next? National Guard Presence Sparks Debate Ahead of 2026 World Cup Draw in Washington D.C. FIFA’s World Cup Dilemma: Navigating Political Storms and Upholding Integrity The Shadow of Politics on the Pitch Infantino’s Tightrope Walk What’s at Stake for the Fans? Looking Ahead: A Call for Transparency and action Infantino’s Oval Office Visits: A Political Play or FIFA’s Future? Key data Points: Infantino’s Political Ties The Big picture SEO-Friendly FAQ section: Gianni Infantino ‘s…

The true meaning behind the 'Trumpification' of the Fifa World Cup ... The world’s most free-thinking newspaper As the 48 teams gradually arrived in North America, every image further setting a grand stage, a thought struck managers likeThomas Tucheland Carlo Ancelotti. They were right to make the sheer scale of thisWorld Cupmore of a priority in planning. “United 2026” – as it is officially known – is enormous in every sense, from size toserious issues. That only deepens the distinctive challenge a World Cup poses, and only elevates the meaning of victory. A team can be brilliant and do everything possible to gear up for a four-year cycle over the long term, but the lifting of that great trophy really comes down to having everything – form, spirit, mood, fitness, tactics – just right for five weeks in one summer. It’s really about a moment in time, and one that makes you immortal, although this time in a far greater space. If the classic line is that people measure their lives in World Cups, this one is so immense it’s almost impossible to quantify. That could lead to a few other predictable lines about an American World Cup: that it was always going to be super-sized, tha…

2026 FIFA World Cup: Read Live Updates | HuffPost Entertainment LOADING ERROR LOADING The 2026 FIFA World Cup has kicked off — and HuffPost is live-blogging every twist, turn and controversy of what’s widely shaping up to be the most political soccer tournament of all time. From the action on the pitch to the potential chaos off it, the storylines are already piling up: Iran’s tough journey to the competition amid Donald Trump ’s war, the president’s close relationship with FIFA’s Peace Prize-awarding President Gianni Infantino, and simmering tensions between the U.S. and fellow host nations Mexico and Canada fueled by Trump’s tariffs and divisive rhetoric. Advertisement Trump’s travel bans have kept some fans and officials out ; there’s been fury over soaring ticket prices , and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could be present at games as the Trump administration continues its anti-immigration crackdown. Not to mention extreme heat concerns that scorched everyone involved the last time the U.S. hosted the tournament, some 32 years ago, in 1994. President Donald Trump, left, received the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, in December. Andrew H…

The beautiful game can't hide the ugly - MR Online Referee Omar Artan, was denied a U.S. visa to officiate World Cup games. AP Photo/Mosa’ab Elshamy, File) The United States should never host the World Cup because it is a country built on racism, repression, and endless war. FIFA and its leaders ignored international demands to host the matches elsewhere and now face calls for a boycott of the World Cup and of the U.S. Football is the only sport where you put people together, it doesn’t matter if you are rich, or poor, or black, or white. It is one nation. This is the beauty of football. —Pele’ This week the United States, along with Canada and Mexico, will host the first matches of the 2026 World Cup (Copa Mundial). The U.S. acting as one of the tournament’s hosts has been met with a mix of concern and outrage. For instance, earlier this year when President Trump insisted that the nation of Greenland should be annexed as a U.S. territory, members of the German soccer federation’s executive committee suggested a boycott of the World Cup . At the time, Oke Göttlich, the president of Bundesliga club St. Pauli and one of the German federation’s 10 vice presidents stated, “As organiza…

Donald Trump brutally ignored by USA captain Tim Ream ... - SPORTbible Home > Football > Football News > FIFA World Cup Published 22:35 12 Jun 2026 GMT+1 Donald Trump brutally ignored by USA captain Tim Ream during awkward phone call to Mauricio Pochettino The phone call didn't go exactly how Trump would have liked. Ben McCrum Follow us on Google Discover Donald Trump didn't quite get the reaction he would have hoped for when phoning the USMNT ahead of their World Cup opener. Following Mexico's 2-0 win over South Africa and Canada's 1-1 draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina, the United States of America are now the only World Cup host yet to play their opening match. The US begin their World Cup campaign as they welcome Paraguay to the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California, in the early hours of Saturday morning. With matches against Australia and Turkiye to come later in the group stage, picking up three points against Paraguay could prove to be crucial in the US's hopes of finishing on top of Group D. Advert Ahead of the match, it was revealed that US President Trump would not be in attendance as he instead remains in Washington to prepare for another major sporting event this week…

Trump muses about what it would take to strip World Cup host cities of ... President Donald Trump sits while FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stand by his side, as he meets with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026. Evelyn Hockstein/Reuters Donald Trump Soccer See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow President Donald Trump issued a veiled threat to Democratic-run cities slated to host World Cup matches next year, saying he might ask FIFA to move games from certain cities if he feels crime is too high or local leadership isn’t cooperating with the federal government. Speaking in the Oval Office with FIFA president Gianni Infantino by his side, Trump was asked what it would take for World Cup games to be taken away from host cities, as he has previously threatened. “The governors are going to have to behave. The mayors are going to have to behave,” Trump said. “In the case of California, you have a problem. You have high crime and you have a place that just suffered great fires and everything else, and they didn’t do a very good job. … So, here’s the story. I love Los Angeles. If they want h…

World Cup 2026 LIVE: Iran striker sparks outrage with 'gun' celebration German chancellor gives Trump a football jersey England suffered a bitter blow on the eve of their World Cup 2026 opener against Croatia tomorrow, with defender Tino Livramento ruled out of the entire tournament through injury, and boss Thomas Tuchel calling up Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah as a surprise replacement, with Trent Alexander-Arnold snubbed. Elswehere, Iran opened their politically-charged World Cup campaign by playing out an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand in a controversial match that saw anti-regime protests ahead of kick-off, the national anthem booed and an Iranian player forced to defend himself over a ‘gun’ celebration. Mohammad Mohebbi snatched a point for Iran in the 64th minute and appeared to do a ‘finger gun’ gesture during his celebration, sparking outrage. Mohebbi defended his actions, saying after the game: “The celebration came to mind, and I do this [gestures] for all of the fans, just a celebration, you know.” Meanwhile, Donald Trump has reportedly been given permission by Fifa to lift the World Cup trophy alongside the winners next month, as he memorably and awkwardly d…

FIFA World Cup 2026: The Geopolitical Tensions at Play Off the Pitch Share By experts and staff Updated June 10, 2026 10:23 a.m. Mariel Ferragamo Writer/Editor Ivana Saric Editor Share The mantra of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), soccer’s global governing body, is famously that “football unites the world.” But this summer’s men’s World Cup is set to kick off with both sports and geopolitical tensions on display. This is the first World Cup to be hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The United States’ relations with its two neighbors, however, have become strained during the second Trump administration over trade, immigration, and border policies—marking a dramatic shift since the three countries initially planned to cohost back in 2017. Amnesty International warned that the United States’ new hard-line immigration and border policies could affect fans and players from competing countries. U.S. military actions abroad, particularly in Iran, have also raised tensions. As national teams began to arrive in the United States, border officials questioned some tournament participants—and turned others away. A Somali referee was de…

The World Cup Shouldn't Be Trump's Toy - Jacobin T here’s a lot to dislike about the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A bloated forty-eight-team tournament spanning all of North America would be tough to pull off in the best of conditions. FIFA openly ripping off fans and charging thousands for tickets ensures that it’ll be, at base, an ugly cash grab. But there are also ills facing fans such as the United States’ immigration regime , roaming National Guard deployments throughout the country’s urban landscapes, and disconcertingly persistent threats to move match venues at President Donald Trump’s whim. The world’s biggest sporting event will have one of its most authoritarian backdrops yet. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has responded to concerning developments in the cohost country the same way he responds to despots the world over — shameless groveling. Trump’s designated “king of soccer” has cozied up so closely to the US president that he might as well try to squeeze into Trump’s ill-fitting jacket with him. Infantino has capped off their budding bromance by awarding Trump the “FIFA Peace Prize” — a totally legitimate marker of statesmanship and definitely not an award made up to appeas…

Not another political World Cup - POLITICO U.S. President Donald Trump is hardly the first World Cup host to seek to score political points from the tournament. For almost a century, leaders ranging from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to French President Jacques Chirac have done exactly that. This year’s competition is also not the first to be overshadowed by conflict. North Korea tried to upstage the event in 2002 with a bloody naval assault on South Korea , and the Falklands War between Britain and Argentina loomed over the 1982 World Cup. The big difference in 2026 is the extent to which the politics of MAGA — and controversy surrounding the war in Iran and Trump’s immigration crackdown — are coming back to bite football’s governing body FIFA. Advertisement The U.S. president casts a large shadow over this year’s tournament — a 48-country extravaganza that kicks off Thursday in Mexico City — and he has already styled it “the most successful” World Cup ever. At every step of the build-up, Trump has been lavished with adulation by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino’s sycophancy peaked last year when he sought to console Trump over his failure to win a Nobel Peace Prize…

FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: FIFA and the US host caught Offside FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: FIFA and the US host caught Offside Hassen Lorgat July 6, 2026 Share this on WhatsApp By Hassen Lorgat Trevor Noah seems to have gotten into some hot water. During one of his shows, he made comments that angered the elites in football’s controlling body — this time, the leadership of the game and the US government. But this is not the first time that politics and sports have mixed for him. At the 2018 World Cup, he pointed out the obvious on The Daily Show when he said that “Africa won the World Cup.” He got pushback from French political leaders but stood firm: “Black people all over the world were celebrating the African-ness of the French players… Not in a negative way, but rather in a positive way, going ‘look at these Africans who can become French.'” FIFA 2026, USA, Mexico, Canada Fast forward to 2026, hosting in three North American Countries (US, Canada and Mexico) and what Trevor Noah said seems light in comparison — and it should barely have caused a ripple… Noah criticised the double standards of mainstream media when interviewing the dark horses — in the sporting sense — those good teams that…

When the World Cup and war collide: From the Politics Desk Add NBC News to Google Trump calls off planned strikes on Iran amid progress towards a deal 03:56 Get more news Live on Share Add NBC News to Google June 11, 2026, 5:00 PM EDT By The Politics Desk Welcome to From the Politics Desk , a daily newsletter that brings you the NBC News Politics team’s latest reporting and analysis from the White House, Capitol Hill and the campaign trail. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. As the World Cup kicks off today, Monica Alba explores the intersection between the tournament and the ongoing war with Iran. Plus, we examine the political fates of the House Republicans who voted to release the Epstein files. Sign up to receive this newsletter in your inbox every weekday here. — Adam Wollner When the World Cup and war collide By Monica Alba The 2026 World Cup is already making history on several fronts. It’s the first time there have been three host nations, and it’s the first time 48 teams have participated. But there’s also this notable first: No World Cup host nation has ever been in an active military conflict with a count…

Everything wrong with the 2026 World Cup | The Independent M onths before World Cup 2026 got underway, senior figures within Fifa already found the planning hadn’t been going “as expected”. And that’s saying something. When the hosting of Canada - Mexico - USA was confirmed back in 2018 , after all, the widespread feeling in football circles was that it was a return to the “familiar”. Two of the countries had already hosted three of the most successful World Cups of all , and the promise in the bid-book was that this would be “low-risk and operational certainty”. It of course greatly aided such feelings that another promise was about record revenue projections of $14bn. A first full tournament under Gianni Infantino ’s presidency was intended to be a badly-needed move away from the inherited issues of Russia and Qatar , which were two of the most politicised World Cups of all time. open image in gallery The 2026 World Cup is plagued with issues ( Getty/AP ) In other words, the World Cup could get back to focusing on what actually matters, the football… and the money it can generate. Nothing could have been further from the truth. This tournament has arguably been even more politic…

NEWS: World erupts as Trump calls FIFA to reinstate American player after suspension. Many say the World Cup is now rigged. Trump calls for restraining order from Italy's leader. 15 mass shootings in the past 24 hours. Crowd size smaller than Trump expected. Subscribe to support my work:

The World Cup of Ugh - The Atlantic Listen − 1.0 x + Seek 0:00 10:48 Updated at 4:10 p.m. ET on June 5, 2026 T he World Cup is nearly here! But so far, at least, no one seems all that excited. It wasn’t supposed to be this way. The biggest sporting event in the world is on the verge of returning to the United States for the first time in more than 30 years. Starting next week, teams from 48 nations will play 104 matches in 16 cities across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Some of the most famous people on Earth will be playing, each recognizable by a single name: Messi, Mbappé, Ronaldo, Salah. After years of buildup, soccer lovers were convinced that Americans were finally— finally! —ready to fully embrace the sport played and watched by far more people than any other around the globe. Yet a tournament that should be hotly anticipated—providing a joyful backdrop to America’s 250th-birthday celebrations—is instead surrounded by angst and even dread. Ticket prices are astronomical, demand for them has slumped, and hotels are half-booked. There is little buzz. The New York City area, which will be home to the World Cup Final next month, is far more focused on the Knicks . There is anxie…

Even FIFA and Trump Can’t Ruin This World Cup Despite the countless problematic aspects of the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup—power-hungry fascists and the wealthy elite grabbing every ounce of political and monetary gain they can imagine at the expense of fans, national team players and staff, workers, and more—there are a few inspiring stories that I have been following.  Among them: A national […]

Donald Trump calls USA players on eve of World Cup opener and issues rallying cry ahead of Paraguay showdown | Daily Mail Online By DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES Published:15:13 EDT, 12 June 2026|Updated:18:34 EDT, 12 June 2026 74 Viewcomments The USMNT received a call from President Trump on the eve of their World Cup opening game against Paraguay. Trump toldMauricio Pochettinoand his players that he believes the USA has a 'really good chance of going all the way.' The USA will begin its campaign in this summer's home World Cup against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday night. Trump told Pochettino: 'Well I just called to say you're a fantastic guy and a fantastic coach. I know all about your record and your success and I know how great the players are. 'I think you have a really good chance of going all the way. So I just want to wish you a lot of luck.' The USMNT coach responded: 'Thank you so much for your support, Mr President and we are going to do everything to make you proud and all the people here in this country.' The USMNT received a call from President Trump on the eve of their World Cup opener He told coach Mauricio Pochettino: 'I think you have a really g…

Countries facing calls to boycott World Cup 2026 over Trump controversies Home > News > Sport Published 12:15 31 Jan 2026 GMT What countries have said about boycotting World Cup 2026 after Trump banned 15 teams from entering the US The 2026 World Cup has been overshadowed by US controversies – both at home and abroad Brenna Cooper Follow us on Google Discover The 23rd FIFA tournament is set to take place across Canada, Mexico and the US this summer– however, it's been arguably overshadowed in recent months, thanks to the opinions and actions of a certain president. World Cup games will traditionally see fans of competing nations flock in from around the world to watch their team play, but this won't be the case for 15 out of the 48 teams competing, thanks to travel bans issued by Donald Trump . While the players and their coaching staff will be still be able to enter the US, the move means that fans from Haiti, Iran and Senegal may have issues making it stateside . The US has also found itself embroiled in numerous political controversies in the past couple of months, which also threaten to overshadow the tournament. Internationally, there has been backlash to Trump's threats to t…

The true meaning behind the 'Trumpification' of the 2026 World Cup A s the 48 teams gradually arrived in North America, every image further setting a grand stage, a thought struck managers like Thomas Tuchel and Carlo Ancelotti. They were right to make the sheer scale of this World Cup more of a priority in planning. “United 2026” – as it is officially known – is enormous in every sense, from size to serious issues . That only deepens the distinctive challenge a World Cup poses, and only elevates the meaning of victory. A team can be brilliant and do everything possible to gear up for a four-year cycle over the long term, but the lifting of that great trophy really comes down to having everything – form, spirit, mood, fitness, tactics – just right for five weeks in one summer. It’s really about a moment in time, and one that makes you immortal, although this time in a far greater space. If the classic line is that people measure their lives in World Cups, this one is so immense it’s almost impossible to quantify. Recommended Everything wrong with the 2026 World Cup Fifa and Gianni Infantino have questions to answer after the scandalous treatment of Omar Abdulkadir Artan World Cup …

How Gianni Infantino, and FIFA, Won Trump’s Heart Photo-Illustration: Joe Darrow; Photos: Getty Images This article was featured in New York ’s One Great Story newsletter. Sign up here . In late April, FIFA president Gianni Infantino convened soccer potentates from six continents in the Canadian city of Vancouver for a grandiose event, his organization’s annual congress. Over several days, the delegates engaged in multilateral discussions of weighty matters: racism on the pitch, the disruptions of war, and the many controversies surrounding the World Cup , which will soon be held in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. One afternoon, though, they all took a break to play a little tournament of their own on a pair of youth-size turf fields. Infantino took the pitch for the first match in a royal-blue jersey and a pair of black Adidas cleats. The sun glinted off his bald head as he stretched. His team, representing FIFA’s administration in Zurich, was taking on the African football confederation. “How are you feeling about your chances?” I asked him on the sideline. Infantino, who is wary of unstructured interactions with the press, narrowed his eyes and considered. “Very good,” he replied…

Why Is FIFA World Cup 2026 Facing Boycott Calls? Top Reasons As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches—set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19— the excitement is overshadowed by mounting calls for a boycott. The tournament, expanding to 48 teams and spanning 16 venues across North America, is poised to be the biggest World Cup ever. Yet, social media hashtags like #BoycottWorldCup are trending, fueled by concerns over U.S. politics, human rights, ticket prices, and more. These protests echo past controversies, such as the 2022 Qatar World Cup boycotts over migrant worker deaths. But why exactly are fans, activists, and even nations urging a pullout from the 2026 FIFA World Cup edition? Here’s a breakdown of the top reasons driving the Boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 movement, based on recent reports and online discussions. 1. U.S. Political Climate and Safety Concerns Under Trump A major catalyst for boycott calls is the re-election of Donald Trump and his administration’s policies, which many view as hostile to immigrants and international visitors. Trump’s recent threats to “start hitting land” in Mexico to combat drug cartels have escala…

Trump Could Skip World Cup Games as Savage Crowd Chants Over Toxic ... Donald Trump’s high-profile absence from the US-hosted World Cup has exposed deep political fault lines, as explosive stadium chants regarding his historic ties to Jeffrey Epstein dominate the tournament. ChatGPT AI Generated A global football tournament has taken an unexpected political turn on the world stage, leaving security officials scrambling to manage a highly volatile atmosphere. During a high-profile match, a large section of the stadium crowd erupted into controversial, synchronised chants targeting Donald Trump over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The sudden demonstration has sparked intense global debate, raising serious questions about high-level security protocols and the true extent of public unrest surrounding the administration. Stadium Chants Spark Security Fears Footage of football fans relentlessly mocking Donald Trump over his historic ties to Jeffrey Epstein has spread across the internet, casting major doubt on whether the president will risk showing up to watch any English-speaking team play. Anxiety over the situation has reportedly escalated to the point where Trump's scheduled appe…

U.S. politics threaten to complicate Canada's co-hosting of 2026 World ... With less than a year to go until the 2026 World Cup , political tensions and U.S. policy threaten to pose problems as Canada, the United States and Mexico prepare to co-host the tournament. Next year’s FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, with the three countries hosting a record 48 teams. Between June 11 and July 19, they will play 104 matches, most of them in the U.S. With millions of fans expected to cross borders to attend the games, U.S. President Donald Trump’s harsh immigration policies — which include travel bans on some countries, immigration raids and mass deportations — are generating anxiety. “This is all being driven by the United States. And we’re entirely the guilty party here,” said Victor Matheson, a professor at College of Holy Cross in Massachusetts who specializes in sports economics. “You could have significant immigration problems with fans and players going across borders.” Story continues below advertisement The U.S. has travel bans in place for 12 countries and restrictions in place for seven, and is considering banning travellers from another 36 countries. Though there are exe…

FIFA chief urges protesters to keep calm at Israel games amid peace talks | theScore.com FIFA chief urges protesters to keep calm at Israel games amid peace talks The Associated Press Anadolu / Getty ROME (AP) — FIFA President Gianni Infantino issued an appeal for protesters to keep calm ahead of Israel's upcoming soccer World Cup qualifying matches in Norway and Italy after an agreement was reached with Hamas to a pause in their devastating two-year war. Pro-Palestinian protesters approached the gates of the Italy squad's training center in Florence last week to demand that next Tuesday's Italy-Israel match in Udine isn't played — part of a national strike that saw millions of activists take to the streets. Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, was asked on the sidelines of a European Football Clubs (EFC) assembly in the Italian capital on Thursday what his message would be ahead of Israel's games and projected protests. "Now everyone should be happy about (the peace plan) and everyone should support the process," Infantino told reporters. "Of course this goes beyond football — but includes football as well." Israel visits Norway on Saturday before traveling to Italy, where an estimat…

Infantino and FIFA draw bipartisan skepticism ahead of World Cup | AP News FIFA President Gianni Infantino makes comments during the opening ceremony of the International Broadcast Center, Monday, June 1, 2026, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) WASHINGTON (AP) — Dozens of mayors and other city leaders gathered in the ballroom of a Washington hotel on a snowy January morning this year gripped by anger and anxiety about the federal government’s increasingly aggressive immigration enforcement operation that included the killings of two U.S. citizens inMinneapolis. And then FIFA PresidentGianni Infantinotook the stage. “For the first time in 250 years of history of the United States of America, well, you will not just be invaded but you will be conquered,” he said as the audience at the National Conference of Mayors largely reacted with silence. “You will be conquered by soccer,” he added in an attempt to land the joke and get the crowd ene…

These are the 75 countries Trump has banned from entering the US with ... US 3 min(s) read Published 16:28 04 Jun 2026 GMT These are the 75 countries Trump has banned from entering the US with World Cup days away Joshua Nair Follow us on Google Discover Follow us on Google Discover ADVERT The 2026 FIFA World Cup is due to kick off at the Estadio Bonarte in Mexico City on June 11, but fans of some nations may face some trouble if they're traveling to any games in the US . Back in June 2025, the Trump Administration provided a list of 75 countries whose citizens were handed "suspended immigrant visa processing." It's made the travel situation more stressful, with many countries' fans left in limbo with just one week to go until the tournament kicks off. The tournament is taking place across the North American continent, with the US, Canada, and Mexico hosting games. However, the majority of games, including the final, will be played on American soil. So, with the biggest tournament in world soccer fast approaching, how will Trump's immigration restrictions affect those looking to make the trek to the US? The Trump administration may have caused an issue at this summer's World Cup. C…

FIFA discovers democracy – POLITICO Global power is in flux. Your daily guide to what comes next. By RY RIVARD Send tips here | View in your browser FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to the media during a press conference on June 10, 2026 in Mexico City, Mexico. | Carl Recine/Getty Images FIFA President Gianni Infantino is working on his third World Cup, which starts tomorrow in Mexico and then spreads across North America. His first tournaments were held in autocratic countries with governments willing to splash cash and use the games to sportswash their tarnished image on the global stage. In America, where 78 of the 104 matches will be played, he’s dealing with something dramatically different — democratically elected leaders spread across 11 host communities. Infantino at first seemed to approach North America largely the same way he did Russia and Qatar: win over the head of state and go from there. He went so far as to court President Donald Trump by giving him a peace prize before he started a war with Iran. State and local politicians, however, had their own priorities. In America, Infantino has found himself foiled not only by democracy but the country’s federalism –…

The 2026 World Cup Could Be the Most Corrupt Ever Earlier this year, President Donald Trump designated himself chairman of the U.S. task force organizing next year’s World Cup in North America. His reign officially kicked off amid a hail of boos on July 6 in New Jersey at the Club World Cup finale between Chelsea and Paris Saint-German—a precursor to the big event in 2026. As with most things associated with Trump, his participation in FIFA’s minor canon came with a generous helping of slapdash corruption. Trump had already helped himself to the trophy meant for the tournament’s winners, claimed as a piece of bric-a-brac to display in the Oval Office, so Chelsea’s triumphant squad had to be presented with a replica of the original. (The president insisted the winners’ trophy was gifted to him by FIFA .) The kleptomania didn’t end there: Trump was filmed tucking away a championship medal in the inside breast pocket of his suit jacket at the event. He also hogged the victory stage during the Chelsea players’ celebration in front of the fans at MetLife Stadium. Gianni Infantino, head of the international soccer organization Fédération Internationale de Football Association, or FIFA, …

Trump's Border Crackdown Wreaks Havoc on World Cup Wired : “Even before the first whistle blows, the 2026 World Cup—taking place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—already has winners and losers away from the field. Specifically, at the border, at passport control, in consular offices, and at US airports. Here, amidst denied visas, prolonged checks, and contested entries, a parallel competition is emerging where human rights are at stake.” “This World Cup was meant to be a global celebration of soccer in North America. For the first time in history, the tournament is being held in three different countries, a move meant to unite the entire continent and turn the World Cup into an even more inclusive event.” “But restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration are impeding those goals.” Save to Favorites Bluesky X Threads Facebook Email

FIFA president Gianni Infantino misreads the room on a global scale ... Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino (Image credit: Getty Images) Copy link Facebook X Pinterest Email Share this article 0 Join the conversation Follow us Add us as a preferred source on Google Newsletter Subscribe to our newsletter With all the tragedy being inflicted on normal people in a warring world they didn't want, one might think football might be best served by some degree of neutrality, or decorum at the very least. Gianni Infantino apparently doesn't see it that way. Having been manoeuvred into a position of allyship with President of the United States of America Donald Trump, the 'sort of king of football' is now unable to remove FIFA , the governing body of which his is president, from the shadow of a geopolitical earthquake that actually means something. World Cup 2026 isn't a distraction from Trump's war in the Middle East. The two aren't separate enough and the credibility of the game has been fundamentally compromised by Infantino's campaign of politicking. '500 million ticket requests' can't be wrong? The sociopolitical environment in the United States alone raises questions about the World Cup…

A World Cup of chaos: Ex-England star blasts hosts USA over visa mess Former England and Arsenal legend Ian Wright has totally blasted the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, officially crowning it the "World Cup of chaos." With only days left until the world's biggest football party kicks off across North America, the pre-tournament vibe has been completely derailed by wild border dramas, security mix-ups, and fan-furious ticket prices in the United States. The absolute boiling point for the beloved pundit came aftertop African referee Omar Artan was denied entry at Miami International Airportand shipped straight back to Istanbul. Taking to his TikTok channel to vent, a frustrated Wright urged football bosses to step in as a non-stop wave of fans, players, journalists, and now history-making referees find themselves locked out of the host nation. Big up, Uncle Ian Wright for speaking up, and he's 100% correct.Look how Qatar got dragged when they were hosting the World Cup.pic.twitter.com/9yLFw2QsZX— Mukhtar (@I_amMukhtar)June 9, 2026 "I’ve just read that the Somalian referee has been denied entry. Every few hours it’s another story, another story about fans denied, players denied, o…

2026 World Cup Issues: Politics, Costs And Controversy - Forbes Business SportsMoney Why The 2026 World Cup Will Be About Much More Than A Commercial Bonanza By Simon Chadwick , Contributor. Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Professor of AfroEurasian Sport, geopolitical of sport specialist. Follow Author Apr 20, 2026, 11:41am EDT May 13, 2026, 10:33am EDT --:-- / --:-- This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more . WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 22: FIFA President Gianni Infantino shows U.S. President Donald Trump the World Cup Trophy in the Oval Office as Vice President JD Vance looks on August 22, 2025 in Washington, DC. Trump announced the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw will take place at The Kennedy Center. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Getty Images After a hugely problematic first quarter of the 21 st century for FIFA – notably due to high-profile allegations of bribery and corruption – awarding the 2026 World Cup to the United States, Canada and Mexico was supposed to be an easy option for world football’s governing body. The U.S. is the world’s biggest market for sport (perhaps …

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a Pitch for Global Politics With the tournament set to kick off at a moment of geopolitical strain, authoritarian powers are seizing an opportunity. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be thelargest ever. Cohosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament—which runs from June 11 through July 19—will feature 48 teams and drawmillionsof soccer fans to 16 stadiums across North America. But the lead up to the games has been anything but smooth. Conflict in the Middle East continues to roil the global economy, Russia’s war in Ukraine appears far from over, and news that ICE agents will be in attendance has sparked concern of a crackdown. Meanwhile, FIFA is dealing with its own set of internal challenges including the legacy of its 2015 corruption scandal, growing criticism of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s cozy relationship with US President Donald Trump, and complaints over Saudi Arabia’s selection as the host of the 2034 games. “International sporting events have always been tied to geopolitics,” Council Senior Nonresident Fellow Alexander Cooley told the Council’s Libby Berry. “What's different now is the explicit tie between World Cup …

13 Nations Slam UEFA President After He Dismisses 48-Team World Cup UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin. PHOTO: UEFA Thirteen football federations released a joint statement on June 14, 2026, rejecting criticism from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin of the 48-team format at the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026. The statement expressed profound disappointment over Ceferin’s remarks, published by Slovenian outlet Delo, in which he described many matches under the expanded format as “completely uninteresting.” The federations said every World Cup match is important to participating nations and rejected any suggestion that some fixtures matter less than others. They emphasized the achievements required to qualify and the meaning of the tournament for their countries and supporters. The direct signatories are the federations of Cape Verde, Curaçao, Uzbekistan, DR Congo and Haiti. They issued the statement in solidarity with those of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast and South Africa. Three of the direct signatories, Cape Verde, Curaçao and Uzbekistan, are making their World Cup debuts this year. DR Congo returns to the tournament for the first time since 19…

The 'Mandatory Checks' in Place For 2026 World Cup Fans to Enter USA By Robin Mumford Published Feb 11, 2026, 6:51 PM GMT Robin Mumford is a journalist for GiveMeSport, covering mainly Champions League and Premier League football. He joined in April 2024, having previously worked at VAVEL as Deputy Editor-in-Chief , where he produced a variety of content, including pieces from press conferences and games. He also won an award for his role as lead editor for the Women's Football section of the online newspaper. Covering football all across Europe, he has worked at stadiums such as Anfield, Old Trafford, and Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park, as well as having reported at both the 2023 men's and women's Champions League finals in Eindhoven and Istanbul. He is infatuated with every aspect of football, but likes other sports as well, being an avid coffee-desperate Buffalo Bills supporter from across the pond and a darts' newbie. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account The controversial “mandatory checks” for supporters travelling to the USA for the 2026 World Cup have emerged this week, amid ongoing debate surrounding the Donald Trump administration - just four months before football’s showpie…

Trump's role at the World Cup suggests he will attend a game POLITICS Donald Trump Add Topic Is Trump attending any World Cup games? Infantino gave him this role Kinsey Crowley USA TODAY NETWORK Updated June 10, 2026, 5:35 p.m. ET Hear this story President Donald Trump attended the FIFA Club World Cup in 2025. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced Trump will co-present the winning trophy. President Donald Trump has repeatedly boasted about being in office for three major U.S. events: America 250, the 2028 Summer Olympics and the World Cup . One of them starts June 11. The US, Mexico and Canada are co-hosting the 2026 Men's World Cup after winning the bid under Trump's first presidency. Trump has been to several sporting events as president , including a FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, where he went viral for celebrating on stage with the winning team . FIFA president Gianni Infantino is also a key Trump ally. He gave Trump an inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December, before the US and Israel attacked Iran . Will Trump be in attendance at the World Cup games? Here is what we know. Infantino gave Trump this role, suggesting he will attend The White House did not immediat…

Trump's Border Crackdown Is Wreaking Havoc on the World Cup Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Comment Loader Save Story Save this story Even before the first whistle blows, the 2026 World Cup —taking place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—already has winners and losers away from the field. Specifically, at the border, at passport control, in consular offices, and at US airports. Here, amidst denied visas, prolonged checks, and contested entries, a parallel competition is emerging where human rights are at stake. This World Cup was meant to be a global celebration of soccer in North America. For the first time in history, the tournament is being held in three different countries, a move meant to unite the entire continent and turn the World Cup into an even more inclusive event. But restrictions imposed by President Donald Trump ’s administration are impeding those goals. Players, managers, and referees are coming up against some harsh realities even before they take the field. Currently, 39 countries face full or partial US travel bans, and four of them—Haiti, Iran, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire are set to play in the World Cup. So far, inc…

Full list of people barred from US for World Cup by Donald Trump ... - HITC Follow us on Google Discover The 2026 World Cup has already run into a major immigration controversy, with referees, team staff, and fans affected by tightened U.S. entry rules under Donald Trump. The tournament, spread across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, has hit an early stumbling block: getting into the U.S. has become a major obstacle for some teams, officials, and supporters. There is not a single official FIFA blacklist. Instead, it is a mix of visa denials, ESTA issues, and broader immigration policies that are making travel difficult for people from dozens of countries. Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images World Cup entry ban list includes referee, team staff and fans One of the most high-profile cases so far is Somali referee Omar Artan, who was set to be the first from his country to officiate at a World Cup. Artan, named Africa’s top referee in 2025, was stopped at Miami International Airport due to what U.S. officials called “vetting concerns.” FIFA later confirmed he would not be able to take part in the tournament. Somalia is among the countries covered by the expanded U.S. travel restrictions, mak…

2026 World Cup facing 'boycott' threat from major European nations With the 2026 World Cup kicking off in just under five months’ time, concerns have being raised about the state of play in the host nation. Volatility in America, coupled with extreme diplomatic hostilities from the US president, is now forcing fans and officials to consider the unthinkable. ALSO READ:Downing Street hits back at Donald Trump after he said British soldiers ‘stayed off front line’ in Afghanistan Calls to boycott the competition have been amplified in the past few weeks. Donald Trump has relentlessly poured scorn on his European contemporaries, amid a backdrop of domestic disturbances. The deployment of ICE in Minnesota, for example, is causing major concerns. Some fans are worried about their ability to travel freely around the States, given the strict anti-immigration and visa laws that have become a hallmark of the Trump Administration. The Republican leader’s tariff threats against Europe, which have since been rescinded, have also left a bad taste. Trump’s desire to acquire Greenland is coming at the expense of the trans-Atlantic alliance, with Denmark remaining in the president’s cross-hairs…

Trump wanted to star at the World Cup, but politics may spoil the party ... President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup on May 6, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Donald Trump Soccer People in sports See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Summary Donald Trump expected to miss the 2026 World Cup, but his political comeback secured him a role. His immigration policies and global tensions have created controversy ahead of the tournament's opening. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's close relationship with Trump raises questions about the organization's political neutrality. AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor. Donald Trump thought he’d miss out on the chance to stride the globe’s biggest sporting stage, lamenting in 2018 , when the US won the right to co-host this year’s World Cup finals, that “I won’t be here” owing to presidential term limits. But the historic political comeback that made him only the second president to win two nonconsecutive terms bought him political extra time and a role in the massive soccer extravaganza. Trump has always had a flair for inserting himself int…

World Cup 2026 USA Canada Mexico: FIFA World Cup 2026 poses biggest ... Global Desk FIFA World Cup 2026 , a 48-team, 104-match behemoth kicking off next week across 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada, presents an unprecedented security challenge, with more countries, games and a larger footprint than ever before. It also comes against the backdrop of the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran, mounting political violence in President Donald Trump's orbit and growing fears of artificial intelligence-fueled disruptions, creating a complex threat environment for authorities. Overseeing the sprawling security apparatus is a legion of federal agencies, state and local police departments and private entities. Their responsibilities range from securing stadiums and fan zones to escorting teams and protecting dignitaries. Their tools include hunter drones that can shoot nets over objects in restricted airspace, bag-inspecting robot dogs, giant X-ray trucks and thousands of AI-powered cameras trained on public spaces soon to be thronged by fans. In the U.S., it’s “78 Super Bowls over 39 days,” said Andrew Giuliani, executive director of Trump’s World Cup task force, which is overse…

2026 World Cup: FIFA still haggling with broadcasters in China and ... World Cup 2026 Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images With a gag the FIFA president first tested at the World Economic Forum’s comedy festival in Davos this year, Gianni Infantino had them rolling in the aisles at the Milken Institute’s Global Conference in Beverly Hills last week. The sports administrator-turned-clown was doing one of his “conversations” in front of an audience of capital allocators and international thought-leaders, when he was asked what he tells investors when they question why they should put money into football. Advertisement “Let me tell you one thing,” he started, with a twinkle in his eye. “Do you know what the definition of FIFA is? Well, FIFA is the official happiness provider to humanity since 1904.” Then, picking up one of the two official World Cup footballs which had been placed on tables on either side of his chair, he said: “Because this is happiness. This is not a soccer ball — it’s a magic tool that transforms people into happy people, straight away. “So, if you invest in FIFA, you invest in happiness. You invest in the world, in children, you invest in our future.” He t…

The 9 Countries That Have Boycotted the World Cup Finals By Matthew Guyett Updated Mar 11, 2026, 4:26 PM GMT Matthew Guyett is a journalist for GiveMeSport, covering news and features primarily focused on the Premier League and European football. He graduated from the University of Essex in 2022 with a Creative Writing degree before joining GiveMeSport as a freelancer in August 2024. Matthew began his writing career with Sportskeeda in 2022, working for their European football team for nearly three years, where he covered news, transfers, match reports, and fan reactions. He became one of their most widely read writers, and his work has garnered over 25 million reads, including a viral story that garnered 724,000 reads. Sign in to your GiveMeSport account The build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been controversial, and US President Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs on countries has previously cast doubt on Germany 's participation, while recent military attacks have made it likely for Iran to pull out of the competition. There are just months until the international tournament kicks off in the USA, Mexico and Canada and with the United States and Israel killing Iran's Sup…

FIFA World Cup Controversy Revisits Politics In Sport 2025 Home Sports & politics When Politics Overshadow Sport: The FIFA World Cup Controversy Revisited Sports & politics Share on Facebook Tweet on Twitter Credit: edition.cnn.com Hosting of the world cup has been a subject to scrutiny and the events of 2025 have widened the discussion of the political implications that characterize FIFA decisions. The announcement of Saudi Arabia as hosts in the 2034 world cup brought back memories of the fact that the organization cares more about geopolitical affiliations and business power than good governance. Lawyers and global activists have claimed that the compensation procedure breached FIFA inner-governance provision and international anticipations on due diligence of human rights. Their criticisms echo the relationship of tension that was present in the past tournaments in Russia and Qatar where political favouritism was said to have dominated the evaluation of eligibility and fairness. The move by FIFA to give the nod to both 2030 and 2034 hosts in one, least consulted decision aggravated the levels of dissatisfaction among the member associations. Most termed the act as exclusionary…

The World Cup visa mess has its roots in Gianni Infantino's cosiness to ... World Cup 2026 LIVE 4m ago Gianni Infantino and President Donald Trump at the World Cup draw in DecemberTasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images Get free access to the most comprehensive World Cup coverage in The Athletic app. The clues should have been there for FIFA. Perhaps in the executive order, signed on President Donald Trump’s first day back in the White House, entitledProtecting the American People Against Invasion. Perhapsin the travel bans, enacted against countries largely in the Middle East and Africa. Advertisement Perhaps in the requirements for travelers from 50 countries to pay up to$15,000 visa bond paymentsfor business or tourist visas. Perhaps in the pausing ofimmigrant visa applications to nationals of 75 countries. Perhaps in Trump’s comments about Somalis, saying they should “go back to where they came from” and “their country is no good for a reason.” To many, therefore, it is of little surprise that the World Cup’s opening week is dominated by aSomalian referee being turned away at Miami International Airport, or“many” Iranian and African journalistsbeing denied the…

Trump's pledge to move World Cup matches unlikely to succeed - Los ... FIFA President Gianni Infantino, right, speaking about the 2026 World Cup with President Trump, center, and Vice President JD Vance in the Oval Office. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) By Kevin Baxter Staff Writer Follow Sept. 26, 2025 12:32 PM PT 45 4 min Click here to listen to this article Share via Close extra sharing options Email Facebook X LinkedIn Threads Reddit WhatsApp Copy Link URL Copied! Print 0:00 0:00 1x This is read by an automated voice. Please report any issues or inconsistencies here . More than three years after 11 U.S. cities were awarded the right to host games during next summer’s World Cup and just two months before the tournament draw, President Trump is threatening to move matches out of places he considers “a little bit dangerous.” Trump made the comments while speaking to reporters Thursday in the Oval Office and the cities that appear to be in his crosshairs are Democratic ones such as Seattle and San Francisco, which have not supported the president’s immigration policies. “They’re run by radical left lunatics who don’t know what they’re doing,” Trump said. Seattle is scheduled to …

Trump wanted to star at the World Cup, but politics may spoil the ... - CNN President Donald Trump speaks during a meeting with the White House Task Force for the 2026 World Cup on May 6, 2025. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Donald Trump Soccer People in sports See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow Summary Donald Trump expected to miss the 2026 World Cup, but his political comeback secured him a role. His immigration policies and global tensions have created controversy ahead of the tournament's opening. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's close relationship with Trump raises questions about the organization's political neutrality. AI-generated summary was reviewed by a CNN editor. Donald Trump thought he’d miss out on the chance to stride the globe’s biggest sporting stage, lamenting in 2018 , when the US won the right to co-host this year’s World Cup finals, that “I won’t be here” owing to presidential term limits. But the historic political comeback that made him only the second president to win two nonconsecutive terms bought him political extra time and a role in the massive soccer extravaganza. Trump has always had a flair for inserting himself int…