Is Trump giving the FIFA World Cup a MAGA makeover? | BBC Americast

Key Concepts

• Trumpification of the World Cup: The increasing political influence and spotlight on Donald Trump in relation to the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
• FIFA Peace Prize: A newly created award by FIFA, perceived by some as a political move to honor Donald Trump, especially after his perceived snub from the Nobel Peace Prize.
• FIFA's Political Neutrality: Concerns raised about FIFA, under Gianni Infantino, potentially compromising its political neutrality by engaging closely with political figures like Donald Trump.
• "Legal Bribery": A term used to describe FIFA's transactional approach to relationships and decision-making under Infantino, where favors are exchanged for support or access.
• Visa and Immigration Concerns: Potential issues for international fans and participants, particularly from countries with strained relations with the US, regarding visa approvals and immigration enforcement during the tournament.
• US National Team Prospects: An assessment of the US men's national soccer team's chances in the 2026 World Cup.

The Trumpification of the World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is increasingly becoming intertwined with the political ambitions of Donald Trump. His "cozy friendship" with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which began in 2018 when the US secured the bid, has intensified. Trump, who lost the 2020 election but is expected to be in office in 2024, is poised to be a prominent figure during the tournament. This has led to questions about FIFA's political neutrality and Trump's potential to leverage the event for his political advantage.

The World Cup Draw and Political Spectacle

The World Cup draw, scheduled to take place at the prestigious Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., is highlighted as a key event where countries will be allocated to groups. The choice of the Kennedy Center, which Donald Trump and his associates have significantly influenced, is seen as a deliberate move to place him at the center of the proceedings. The presence of musical acts like the Village People, known for their association with Trump's rallies, further underscores the perceived political undertones. While Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum will also attend, the narrative suggests they will be overshadowed by the "Donald Trump spectacle."

The FIFA Peace Prize and Political Signaling

A significant point of discussion is FIFA's creation of a new "FIFA Peace Prize." This award is viewed with suspicion, particularly in light of Donald Trump's public disappointment at not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize. Critics suggest that the FIFA Peace Prize is a transparent attempt to honor Trump, who is expected to be a central figure at the draw and potentially involved in other aspects of the tournament. This move is seen as a departure from FIFA's stated commitment to political neutrality.

A Developing Relationship: Infantino and Trump

The relationship between Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump has evolved since 2018. Infantino's early gestures, such as presenting Trump with a "Trump 26 FIFA" football shirt and a symbolic red card, signaled a warm rapport. Infantino's public praise of Trump in 2020, describing him as a "competitor" and "made of the same sort of fiber" as top athletes, further cemented this connection. More recently, Infantino has continued to present Trump with "golden gifts," including replicas of the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup trophies, which are seen as appealing to Trump's penchant for opulence and his desire for validation.

Trump's Leverage and Threats to Host Cities

Donald Trump has reportedly used his influence to threaten cities designated to host World Cup games. He has suggested that games could be moved from "Democrat-controlled cities" if they do not "shape up" or comply with his demands. This tactic is seen as a way for Trump to exert political pressure and potentially gain leverage. However, experts argue that moving venues at this late stage is logistically unfeasible due to the extensive infrastructure and planning already in place, including ticket sales and travel arrangements.

Immigration and Visa Concerns

The World Cup faces potential complications related to immigration and visa policies. The US administration's response to a recent shooting incident, including pausing visas from 19 countries, two of which have qualified for the World Cup (Haiti and Iran), raises concerns for fans and potentially teams from these nations. While FIFA and the US government have introduced a "FIFA Pass" to expedite visa interviews for ticket holders, approval is not guaranteed. This, coupled with long visa wait times for other nationalities, could pose significant challenges for international attendees. The possibility of immigration raids at games, particularly targeting undocumented migrants, is also a concern, with past instances of ICE focusing on specific communities.

FIFA's Corruption Allegations and Financial Model

FIFA is acknowledged to have a history of corruption, including bribery and self-enrichment. While Infantino's administration claims to have implemented controls to curb blatant bribery, the organization's operational style is described by some as "legal bribery," characterized by quid pro quo exchanges. This transactional approach, while potentially lucrative for those involved, raises ethical questions.

A Lucrative and Expanded Tournament

The 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest ever, with an expansion from 32 to 48 teams, resulting in 104 games. The tournament will be held in large American NFL stadiums, building on the success of the 1994 World Cup, which remains the most attended. Ticket prices are reportedly higher than usual, contributing to the tournament's financial success but also causing discontent among some fans. The overall cost of attending the event is also expected to be high due to travel expenses to the US and additional fees imposed by FIFA for services like parking.

The US National Team's Prospects

Regarding the US men's national soccer team, their chances in the 2026 World Cup are considered to be better than anticipated a few months ago, given their recent positive run. A reasonable expectation is for them to advance from their group and win at least one knockout game (round of 32). Reaching the quarterfinals would be considered exceeding expectations, though the possibility of them winning the tournament, however slim, is not entirely dismissed.

Conclusion

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America is shaping up to be a significant event, not only for the sport but also for its intersection with politics. Donald Trump's prominent role, FIFA's perceived political maneuvering, and the logistical and immigration challenges all contribute to a complex and potentially contentious tournament. While the event promises to be a massive spectacle and a lucrative endeavor, the underlying political currents and ethical considerations surrounding FIFA's operations are significant factors to watch.