UPDATE: Major backlash erupts as Donald Trump threatens to relocate matches for the 2026 World Cup, igniting a firestorm of criticism from global analysts. In a scathing opinion piece published by The Guardian, commentator Marina Hyde argues that Trump’s political meddling is jeopardizing the world’s most prestigious sporting event.
Hyde’s critique, released just hours ago, highlights Trump’s alarming comments about moving games from host cities, stating that the president could take such actions if he perceives “a problem” with security or compliance from local governments. This statement, made during a meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, has raised serious concerns about the integrity of the tournament.
Scheduled to take place across cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the 2026 World Cup is poised to attract billions of viewers globally. However, Trump’s insinuation that he would shift match locations based on political affiliations—specifically targeting cities run by “Democrat/communist” mayors—has alarmed fans and officials alike. Hyde pointedly referenced New York City’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, as a specific example of Trump’s political targeting.
“It’s astonishing that FIFA would allow its prestigious tournament to be held in a country where the president openly discusses moving games due to political disagreements,” Hyde wrote. “This incident underscores an alarming reality: fans may be traveling to a nation perceived as unstable, where even the president questions safety.”
Despite the ongoing preparations for the World Cup, Hyde notes that Trump’s threats are unprecedented in the tournament’s 95-year history. She argues that this behavior contributes to a growing global perception of the U.S. as politically chaotic and backward.
“It used to be host governments that got co-opted into FIFA’s supra-national edicts,” Hyde stated. “But now FIFA is a wholly owned tool of whoever will have it.”
Further exacerbating the situation, Hyde pointed out Infantino’s previous political entanglements, including his attendance at Trump’s Middle East peace summit, which delayed his arrival at FIFA’s own congress. This pattern of prioritizing political interests over sporting commitments raises questions about FIFA’s leadership integrity.
With the World Cup less than three years away, fans are left wondering about the implications of Trump’s political maneuvering. Hyde warns that if the trend continues, it could further tarnish FIFA’s reputation, as the organization appears increasingly willing to be influenced by political figures.
As the situation develops, the international football community is urged to pay close attention. Trump’s recent threats and Infantino’s apparent complicity could lead to significant changes in how the World Cup is perceived, both inside and outside the United States.
Looking ahead, Hyde speculates that Trump may even receive a “peace prize” from FIFA, further intertwining politics with sports. “Given the current trajectory, it wouldn’t be surprising if Trump wins this honor multiple times before the World Cup kicks off,” she warned.
As backlash continues to mount, fans and officials alike are urged to voice their concerns. The world is watching, and the future of the World Cup hangs in the balance as political tensions escalate in the lead-up to this monumental event.
