World Cup 2026 and Trump's Unusual Alliance with FIFA: What is Known About the Connections.

According to Vox: This year, North America will host the largest sporting event in the world: the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament will take place in 11 cities in the USA, three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

The World Cup is the most popular sporting event on the planet, attracting more viewers than the Super Bowl and the World Series combined. For the first time since 1994, matches will be held in the USA.

This year, the tournament draws attention not only from a sporting perspective but also from a political one. The USA's role in organizing the championship is the result of a long relationship associated with President Donald Trump and his unusual ties with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“Infantino lavishly praises Trump, giving him gifts - including the FIFA Peace Prize, an invented award that FIFA's president handed to Trump last November”

The prestigious audio program Today, Explained had a conversation with Adam Crafton, a senior reporter for The Athletic, who closely covers FIFA and the growing friendship between Trump and Infantino.

Competition Assembly

The process of obtaining the rights to host the tournament involves applications from countries. This procedure began around 2017 during Trump's first presidential term.

Interestingly, one reason for the unification of the USA, Canada, and Mexico was the uncertainty regarding the likelihood of winning a bid separately. This came after criminal investigations concerning FIFA, which raised concerns that FIFA might reject only the American bid.

Trump and Infantino

The relationship between Trump and Infantino began with the bidding process. Infantino did not distance himself from Trump during his first presidency, even after the events of January 6. They maintained close contact.

“Infantino was in the Oval Office more than any other foreign state leader”

FIFA Peace Prize

At the World Cup draw, Donald Trump received the first FIFA Peace Prize. FIFA has never had a similar award, and indeed, nobody had asked FIFA for it before.

This decision is explained by Infantino's 'love for being around rich, influential people.' FIFA also has a practical need to improve its relations with the USA, as funding security for the 11 host cities requires 625 million dollars.

“The peace prize could help remind Trump of FIFA's significance”

Thus, the 2026 World Cup in North America becomes not only a sporting event but also an element of political discourse. The cooperation between FIFA and the Trump administration may influence the further development of not only football but also international relations in this area. This tournament has the potential to unite countries and rethink significant political issues on a global scale.