June 12 – One year from this week, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off across 16 cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With 48 teams and an anticipated 6.5 million fans expected in stadiums, FIFA is billing it as the “biggest and most inclusive” tournament in football history. But behind the countdown clocks and marketing slogans, the political undertones are hard to ignore.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who proclaimed the tournament “a global celebration of connection, unity and passion,” has drawn criticism for aligning himself closely with divisive political figures. Notably, Infantino was late to last month’s FIFA Congress after prioritising a meeting with new best mate Donald Trump — a move that reportedly prompted a walkout from UEFA officials.
In the past few weeks US President Trump has introduced immigration policies that could complicate tournament logistics and contradict FIFA’s own narrative of global inclusion. One such policy could create visa challenges for nationals from several countries — including Iran, one of the early qualifiers. The irony of celebrating “unity” while blocking fans of certain teams from entering the host nation has not gone unnoticed.
The choice of host also raises questions about FIFA’s willingness to separate politics from sport. The United States, with its recent track record of contentious immigration laws and uneven international diplomacy, sits uneasily as a beacon of global harmony.
Infantino’s increasingly close ties with Trump have sparked concern that the tournament could become entangled in domestic U.S. political theatre. With the new FIFA Club World Cup launching this week in Miami — another nod to the region’s commercial importance — critics argue FIFA is chasing American dollars at the expense of its values.
“This is more than a tournament, it’s a global celebration of connection, unity and passion. From every corner of the world, dreams are turning into reality as teams qualify and fans make their plans to be part of history, counting down to the biggest FIFA World Cup yet,” said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
“We look forward to hosting teams and guests from every continent to celebrate the beautiful game on its most majestic stage.”
While the fanfare builds and host cities unveil branded countdown clocks, many in the global football community remain wary. As qualifying nations prepare for the expanded 48-team format, the hope is that football takes centre stage — but for now, the shadow of politics still hangs over the most ‘ambitious’ World Cup yet.
Contact the writer of this story, harry Ewing, at moc.l1749797475labto1749797475ofdlr1749797475owedi1749797475sni@g1749797475niwe.1749797475yrrah1749797475
One-year World Cup countdown begins amid unrest and criticism
