Infantino and Trump forge ties for 2026 World Cup

Fifa president Gianni Infantino is under scrutiny for his close relationship with former President Donald Trump as the 2026 World Cup approaches. The tournament will be hosted in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, marking a first-ever collaboration between the three countries. After attending Trump's inauguration, Infantino has been accused of adopting Trump's style, often discussing “the biggest deals.” This close association raises concerns, especially as Trump suggested that trade tensions between the co-hosts could make the tournament “more exciting.” Fifa officials claim Infantino's agreement with Trump is not an endorsement of his views, but rather a diplomatic gesture. The World Cup is already generating political controversy, especially among human rights advocates. There are fears that the event could be used by Trump to promote his ideology and suppress dissent. Critics worry about the treatment of minority groups, gun violence, and homelessness during the tournament. Infantino’s strong ties to Trump are unusual, as he has not maintained similar relationships with Canadian and Mexican leaders. Observers note that Trump, who has a history of intertwining politics and sports, could leverage the World Cup for his own ends. The economic stakes are high, with estimates suggesting the tournament could bring in $11 billion, far exceeding the revenue from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. While this World Cup is expected to boost the growth of soccer in the U.S., concerns linger about the broader implications for the sport. Fifa is taking direct control of the tournament without a local organizing committee, which could lead to challenges in addressing local needs and tensions. Some political insiders have expressed concern about potential disruptions due to Trump's unpredictable nature, especially regarding trade and logistics between the host countries. There are also questions about whether Fifa will align with Trump's stance on social issues or risk alienating the more progressive soccer community in America's Democrat-leaning cities. With the tournament looming, the situation highlights the intersections of sports and politics, raising more questions than answers about the future of soccer and its role in global politics.