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15
Jul
2026

Trump Is Changing the World Cup–And Not For the Better

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Trump Has Changed the World Cup—And Not For the Better

BY: EMMA JANISCH

With the World Cup being hosted on U.S. soil for the first time in thirty-two years, there

has been an incredible explosion of cultural exchange and international friendship. From Scottish fans placing cones on Boston statues to Japanese fans trying barbeque for the first time in Texas, cities have been booming with international visitors eager for an authentic American experience. Many have used this opportunity to embrace a more wholesome vision of America and cultural appreciation. However, there is a darker side to the beloved game which is undeniably driven by current presidential policies as well as the use of power to control not only the players, but the game itself.

One of the biggest impacts on the sport is Trump’s interference, which stretches beyond the players and to the actual rules. The entire country has been eagerly watching the United States’ men’s team as they advanced from the group stage to round of 32, and fans were ecstatic when the team beat Bosnia and Herzegovina to move onto the round of 16. However, during this pivotal game, U.S. forward Folarin Balogun received a red card for stepping on the back of an opponent’s ankle. Usually, red cards mean immediate removal from the game (meaning the offending player’s team now has ten players on the field and must play a man down the rest of the game) as well as a suspension from the next scheduled game. For U.S. fans, Balogun’s red card spelled disaster for the team’s next game against powerhouse Belgium, especially considering Balogun is an essential offensive player.

But then… FIFA officials announced that they would be overturning the decision and allowing Balogun to play. Why? A phone call from Donald Trump.

This isn’t the first way Trump has influenced the 2026 World Cup. Some teams have already started with a disadvantage due to Trump’s immigration policies and the ongoing conflict in Iran. Multiple players have been questioned at the border, with some nearly being denied entry, including the entire Iranian team who was forced to move their base camp from the United States to Mexico. Multiple fans have been denied visas as well, even after buying tickets. This is also due to the travel bans placed by the United States on countries such as Iran, Haiti, Ivory Coast, and Senegal who competed in the world cup and had many fans hoping to secure entry to cheer on their teams. Perhaps more troublingly, a renowned Somalian referee was even denied entry despite having previously secured a visa. FIFA has tried to steer clear of the immigration issues faced by its players and officials, stating that they have no control over the laws and policies of its host country. Amidst intense scrutiny, Trump continues to claim that those denied entry posed a security risk to the country and has supported the choices made by immigration officers.

Despite having Balogun on the field, the United States still experienced defeat at the hands of Belgium. As the World Cup continues to progress, fans can only watch and wonder if the world will be able to come together to view such a beloved sport, or if Trump’s policies will continue to (literally) keep fans and teams apart.

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