Sick system: Heavy reckoning with Infantino and FIFA

The World Cup has left behind more than just unforgettable matches and legendary performances. As the tournament concludes, questions linger over the integrity of football itself under the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The final days of the 2026 World Cup have exposed deepening concerns about whether the game can remain untainted by external pressures and political influence. These doubts were amplified after a series of high-profile interactions involving U.S. President Donald Trump, which raised eyebrows among fans and officials alike. The controversy began during the quarterfinal match between the United States and Belgium. Before this crucial encounter, Trump had reportedly pushed for the suspension of Nigerian player Folarin Balogun to be lifted. This request came despite Balogun having been banned for disciplinary reasons. The incident sparked speculation about potential interference in the competition's fairness. While no official confirmation emerged regarding the nature of Trump’s involvement, the mere suggestion of such influence cast a shadow over the tournament. Infantino, who has long sought to align FIFA with powerful figures, met with Trump at the Trump Tower in New York shortly before the World Cup opened. During their meeting, both men praised the successful organization of the event. However, Trump criticized England’s tactical approach in the semifinal against France and reiterated his support for Balogun’s reinstatement. The meeting, while seemingly cordial, raised questions about whether personal relationships could affect decisions within the sport. Throughout the tournament, Infantino maintained a public image focused on celebrating football’s great moments. He surrounded himself with former stars like Kaká, Iker Casillas, and Alessandro del Piero, using these appearances to reinforce FIFA’s brand. Yet, beneath the surface, the growing unease about the separation of football from its governing body became increasingly apparent. Fans and analysts alike questioned whether the sport could remain free from the influence of politics and power. As the World Cup drew to a close, rumors and conspiracy theories began circulating through social media and traditional outlets. Some suggested that FIFA might be favoring Argentina to ensure a particular team wins the title. Others claimed that Paraguay intentionally lost a match to manipulate the standings. These claims, though often dismissed as baseless, reflected a broader mistrust in FIFA’s governance. This skepticism has been fueled by Infantino’s perceived willingness to accommodate influential individuals, including Trump, even at the expense of perceived impartiality. Despite repeated calls for transparency, Infantino has offered little in the way of concrete explanations regarding the alleged influence of external forces on the tournament. His reluctance to address these concerns head-on has only deepened the sense of uncertainty surrounding the future of international football. With each passing day, the narrative around the 2026 World Cup continues to evolve, leaving many wondering how much of the game’s legacy will be defined by its sporting achievements versus the controversies that accompanied it. The situation highlights a critical juncture for FIFA. As the world watches, the organization faces mounting pressure to restore confidence in its ability to govern the beautiful game without undue influence. Whether it can achieve this remains unclear, but one thing is certain: the 2026 World Cup will be remembered not just for its memorable matches, but for the questions it has raised about the very foundations of global football.