Column faults Infantino’s Trump ties during 2026 World Cup
What’s new: The commentary links FIFA’s White House ties to fresh scrutiny over visas, politics and the tournament’s image.
A Guardian opinion column argues that FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s close relationship with Donald Trump has damaged the image of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The piece says Infantino sought favorable treatment from the US government after the country won co-hosting rights, but in doing so pulled soccer deeper into US politics. It cites White House appearances, a FIFA “peace prize” for Trump and controversy around USMNT striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension. The column also points to uncertainty over Iran’s participation and the relocation of its base camp to Mexico as examples of politics spilling into the tournament.