FIFA president and Donald Trump’s close collaboration is called into question as 100-day countdown to tournament begins amid US attack on Iran
Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump have been highly complimentary of each other in their preparations for the World Cup (Image: Tasos Katapodis – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
At the first meeting of the so-called Peace Council, Gianni Infantino–yes, he’s a member for some reason–smiled while wearing a MAGA-style red hat emblazoned with the letters USA. Less than two weeks later, the United States, the primary host of the FIFA World Cup, bombed one of the 48 participating countries.
This is the same Infantino who recently handed Donald Trump the “FIFA Peace Prize.” Of course, if this wasn’t so scary, it would be funny in a sarcastic way.
But for FIFA and all the associations scheduled to participate in the 2026 World Cup, this is – pardon the word – deadly serious. The run-up to the last two World Cups, held in Qatar and Russia, has been politically charged, but the impending tournament is thrown into doubt by unprecedented problems.
Where to start? President Trump promises to be a high-profile presence at the World Cup, but he’s at odds with Canada over trade tariffs.
read more: England Lionesses given safety guarantee ahead of match in Türkiyeread more: Countries to withdraw from World Cup as Iran ‘ready’ to boycott 2026 US tournament
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FIFA has come under fire over its ticket pricing policy. Guadalajara, one of the host cities, has been plagued by brutal drug violence for four months before kick-off.
And last week, the BBC reported that authorities had warned of potentially catastrophic consequences if the 11 US cities hosting the games did not receive funds frozen in the partial government shutdown. The US is currently bombing Iran. Iran’s soccer team is scheduled to play three Group G matches on U.S. soil.
FIFA clearly feels there is nothing important that it can say or do at this time. But to be honest, Mr. Infantino is already very emphatically aligned with Mr. Trump.
Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino actively participate in photo opportunities before the World Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Whatever your opinion on the pros and cons of American foreign policy, is it really a good idea? It’s clearly wise to develop a working relationship with the president of the country hosting the event. Are you flattering him? There aren’t that many.
At the FIFA Executive Board meeting in Wales, FIFA Secretary-General Matthias Grafström said he would “watch developments closely.” He also had a very general reassurance about the 2026 World Cup: “Everyone will be safe.”
But now that geopolitical events have turned this way, not to mention the continuing problems in Mexico, it will be a question for all national associations. Manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to announce his squad for England’s friendlies against Uruguay and Japan at Wembley later this month in the coming weeks.
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There were political challenges ahead of the last World Cup in Qatar, but it went off largely without incident (Image: GETTY)
In future media interactions, he will realize that being the manager of the England team is not just about football. Tuchel is expected to give his views on the impact of events in Iran and the Middle East ahead of the World Cup.
At this time, these impacts do not include any threat to ongoing tournaments. But they will get serious. Infantino is happy to follow President Trump’s “Make America Great Again” routine. Making the World Cup great again has become even more difficult.
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