The 2026 World Cup is coming to North America next summer. In addition to the United States of America, North America also includes Canada and Mexico.
Apparently, not everyone knows this based on recent politics and events. Trump’s tariffs have sparked tension with co-hosts Canada and Mexico. At the same time, the administration’s ICE deportations have only added to the chaos.
The following article from the Guardian perfectly sums up where we’re at:
The 2026 Trade War World Cup captures our new nativist world order
The World Cup is the largest sporting event that brings the world together every four years. If the current political climate continues, the 2026 tournament will be co-hosted by a nation that is run by a bully and xenophobe who does not care about other countries or people.
Asked how he saw next summer’s tournament working out, due to the current trade situation between the three nations, Trump said:
"I think it's going to make it more exciting. Tension's a good thing, I think it makes it much more exciting."
What a pathetic statement. All fans of the world’s most popular sport are probably hoping that this lunatic does not cause problems. Will guests from other countries be able to enter and exit the USA to see matches?
Last month FIFA president Gianni Infantino was in New York to announce the opening of a FIFA office in Trump Tower.
FIFA opens office in Trump Tower as soccer chief builds close ties to Trump
Infantino and FIFA have been called out for corruption in the past (the awarding of the 2022 to the tiny Middle East country of Qatar, for example). This FIFA announcement reeks of corruption.
This has led some critics to call for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup.
Trump claims that he will be in attendance at MetLife Stadium for the final of the Club World Cup. Hopefully he’ll pay attention to the fans and realize the importance of the game to many. Perhaps the Grinch will not steal the 2026 World Cup.