The world cup is historically seen as a cultural event of unity, a time for nations to celebrate themselves and others. Sporting events are hoped to transcend politics, but the geopolitical context of the 2026 World Cup is unavoidable. Many are questioning why a nation whose President is expanding travel bans and escalating military action abroad should host a so-called ‘unifying’ event.
During the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in December, 2025, FIFA ironically awarded Trump its inaugural ‘Peace Prize’, due to his “pivotal role” in establishing the ‘ceasefire’ in Gaza. Yet, this accolade was followed by the U.S. military’s abduction of the President of Venezuela and his wife, and air strikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day. U.S. foreign policy is far from deserving of a ‘Peace Prize’, and awarding one disguises the U.S.’s military action as diplomacy.
This is all whilst domestic U.S. policy isolates the nation from the outside world. The US Department of State announced a pause in immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, claiming migrants “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates”. Despite evidence published in February 2025 showing that native-born Americans consumed more welfare and entitlement benefits than immigrant per capita. As the U.S. is turning itself inward and tightening borders, fans from large parts of the world are justifiably questioning whether they will truly be welcome at the tournament.
America cannot even keep peace with their co-host of the tournament, Canada. Trump recently called for Canada to become the U.S.’s 51st state, and threatened to take over oil reserves in the Arctic circle. Trump’s administration has, according to Canada’s retired ambassador speaking to the United Nations, “sparked global tensions unseen since the second world war”. If cooperation cannot be maintained with its nearest neighbour, the U.S.’s ability to host the world’s nations must be questioned.
The controversy has not gone unnoticed. 23 politicians from Labour, the Lib Dems, Green Party and Plaid Cymru have signed a motion to international sporting bodies to consider expelling the U.S. from the World Cup. They rightfully argue that global sporting events should not be used to excuse breaches of international law. With politicians questioning the legitimacy of the U.S. as a host, attention should be shifted to what the world cup is being used to represent.
Calls for boycotts are increasingly emerging from fans and activists who refuse to engage with the tournament at risk of legitimizing the U.S.’s exclusionary policies and foreign aggression. Access is genuinely at question for many visitors, and their only option is to not attend.
At the 2026 World Cup, eyes will not be on football, but on the United States. The World Cup risks being remembered for a moment when sport made its peace with ignoring politics of exclusion and aggression. If Donald Trump wants to host a global celebration, perhaps he should start by embracing diversity at home.
“2006 FIFA World Cup. Germany-Sweden.jpg” by IsakFotografi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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Is the U.S. Fit to Host the World Cup?
The world cup is historically seen as a cultural event of unity, a time for nations to celebrate themselves and others. Sporting events are hoped to transcend politics, but the geopolitical context of the 2026 World Cup is unavoidable. Many are questioning why a nation whose President is expanding travel bans and escalating military action abroad should host a so-called ‘unifying’ event.
During the official draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in December, 2025, FIFA ironically awarded Trump its inaugural ‘Peace Prize’, due to his “pivotal role” in establishing the ‘ceasefire’ in Gaza. Yet, this accolade was followed by the U.S. military’s abduction of the President of Venezuela and his wife, and air strikes in Nigeria on Christmas Day. U.S. foreign policy is far from deserving of a ‘Peace Prize’, and awarding one disguises the U.S.’s military action as diplomacy.
This is all whilst domestic U.S. policy isolates the nation from the outside world. The US Department of State announced a pause in immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, claiming migrants “take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates”. Despite evidence published in February 2025 showing that native-born Americans consumed more welfare and entitlement benefits than immigrant per capita. As the U.S. is turning itself inward and tightening borders, fans from large parts of the world are justifiably questioning whether they will truly be welcome at the tournament.
America cannot even keep peace with their co-host of the tournament, Canada. Trump recently called for Canada to become the U.S.’s 51st state, and threatened to take over oil reserves in the Arctic circle. Trump’s administration has, according to Canada’s retired ambassador speaking to the United Nations, “sparked global tensions unseen since the second world war”. If cooperation cannot be maintained with its nearest neighbour, the U.S.’s ability to host the world’s nations must be questioned.
The controversy has not gone unnoticed. 23 politicians from Labour, the Lib Dems, Green Party and Plaid Cymru have signed a motion to international sporting bodies to consider expelling the U.S. from the World Cup. They rightfully argue that global sporting events should not be used to excuse breaches of international law. With politicians questioning the legitimacy of the U.S. as a host, attention should be shifted to what the world cup is being used to represent.
Calls for boycotts are increasingly emerging from fans and activists who refuse to engage with the tournament at risk of legitimizing the U.S.’s exclusionary policies and foreign aggression. Access is genuinely at question for many visitors, and their only option is to not attend.
At the 2026 World Cup, eyes will not be on football, but on the United States. The World Cup risks being remembered for a moment when sport made its peace with ignoring politics of exclusion and aggression. If Donald Trump wants to host a global celebration, perhaps he should start by embracing diversity at home.
“2006 FIFA World Cup. Germany-Sweden.jpg” by IsakFotografi is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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