The Irish Times view on the World Cup: still a beautiful game

The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup reached its climax on Sunday evening in New Jersey, where either Spain's captain Rodri or Argentina's Lionel Messi stood poised to lift the tournament's most prestigious trophy. The final had been preceded by dramatic semi-final matches, including Spain's methodical dismantling of France and Argentina's late surge against England. As the world turned its attention to the United States for the culmination of the global sporting spectacle, questions lingered over the integrity of the event amid controversies involving political interference and commercial interests. The tournament had begun under a cloud of uncertainty following decisions made by FIFA and its president, Gianni Infantino. One of the earliest points of contention arose when Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was allowed to participate in the World Cup despite being suspended for breaching disciplinary rules. This decision, critics argued, demonstrated a willingness to bend regulations for financial gain. Further controversy erupted just days before the start of the tournament when the suspension of American player Folarin Balogun was postponed at the last minute. This move came after an intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly lobbied for the change, raising concerns about undue influence on the competition. Despite these issues, the World Cup proceeded with a mix of high-profile moments and logistical challenges. Immigration authorities in the U.S. faced criticism after refusing entry to a Somali referee, while the treatment of Iran's national team drew international scrutiny. Nevertheless, the event attracted a large number of spectators from around the globe, many of whom traveled despite the steep cost of tickets. While some expressed frustration over the presence of Trump, whose involvement had initially raised concerns, the overall atmosphere remained largely positive. Trump was scheduled to attend the final at MetLife Stadium to present the trophy, though his close associate, Argentine President Javier Milei, opted to watch the match remotely from his presidential residence in Olivos. This choice, rooted in personal superstition, resonated with many fans who share similar beliefs. In contrast, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, known for his critical stance toward Trump, planned to be present at the stadium, adding another layer of intrigue to the event. Throughout the tournament, the spirit of football endured despite the surrounding controversies. Moments of brilliance emerged from players across the globe, from the youthful exuberance of Roberto "Pico" Lopes and his Cape Verde teammates to the enduring skill of Lionel Messi. These performances reminded fans of the timeless appeal of the sport, capable of transcending political and commercial pressures. Even as debates raged over the governance of FIFA and the role of politics in sports, the game itself continued to captivate audiences worldwide. As the final whistle approached, the focus shifted back to the field, where the outcome of the match would determine the new World Cup champion. Regardless of which team prevailed, the tournament had already left an indelible mark on the global sporting landscape, highlighting both the resilience of the beautiful game and the complex forces that seek to shape it.