The World Cup in North America: records, emotions and Donald Trump

The 2026 FIFA World Cup held in North America marked a historic moment for football, with record-breaking viewership, emotional moments, and a notable presence of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The final was the only match attended by Trump during the tournament, despite facing boos from fans when his image appeared on large screens within the stadium. Trump remained in the spotlight during the medal ceremony, where he joined FIFA President Gianni Infantino in presenting awards to Spain and Argentina. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney were notably absent from the foreground during this event. After the trophy presentation, Infantino had to remind Trump that the stage belonged to the world champions, though Trump seemed eager to share in the celebration. Trump's involvement in the tournament extended beyond attending matches. His intervention in the case of suspended U.S. striker Folarin Balogun sparked political controversy. While influence attempts in sports have existed historically, Trump’s open demonstration of power was unprecedented. He publicly claimed to have contacted Infantino and successfully lobbied for the removal of the red card imposed on Balogun. This incident exemplifies Trump's presidency, characterized by constant efforts to challenge institutional boundaries and rules. However, the U.S. team did not benefit from Trump's interference, losing their round of 16 match against Belgium without much fanfare and exiting the competition early. Balogun later expressed criticism regarding the impact of political interference on the team atmosphere. He acknowledged that the intense debate surrounding Trump's actions negatively affected the mood within the squad and significantly increased pressure on the entire team. Trump's actions shifted attention from the sport itself to politics, occurring at a time when rare football enthusiasm was growing among Americans. It was no longer just the diaspora celebrating the game; the American public demonstrated emotional engagement and enthusiasm, allowing themselves to be swept up in the excitement. Football reached new spheres in the United States during the World Cup, breaking records in television ratings, with stadiums mostly sold out and the country experiencing a football fever. The largest-ever World Cup featuring 48 teams and 104 matches impressed with surprising stories and emerging stars. Football has at least temporarily entered the mainstream in the U.S., proving its ability to captivate a broad audience during major events. As hosts, the U.S. demonstrated its capability to organize a mega-event of such magnitude and inspire widespread interest in football. Simultaneously, the World Cup highlighted how deeply intertwined sports and politics can become under the leadership of Donald Trump. The tournament showcased the potential for football to transcend traditional boundaries, drawing in audiences who might not typically engage with the sport. The success of the event in the U.S. underscores the capacity of major sporting events to generate national unity and enthusiasm, even amidst political controversies. The interplay between sports and politics during the World Cup will likely remain a topic of discussion, reflecting broader societal dynamics and the influence of high-profile figures in shaping public perception of athletic competitions.