This past weekend in New Jersey, a remarkable event unfolded that could only be described as a unique kind of photobomb. As the victorious soccer team gathered to celebrate their hard-earned triumph, former President Donald Trump unexpectedly took center stage at MetLife Stadium. Accompanied by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Trump presented the coveted trophy for the inaugural FIFA Club World Cup to the players of Chelsea, a prestigious club based in London that owes much of its success to the financial backing of a Russian oligarch.
Instead of stepping aside to allow the athletes their moment of glory, Trump lingered on stage, much to the visible confusion of Chelsea’s players. Infantino attempted to signal Trump to follow him and avoid interrupting the celebratory photo opportunity, but it seemed that the former president either didn’t hear or chose to ignore the cue. There he stood, applauding and smiling right next to Chelsea captain Reece James as he lifted the trophy high above his head. Infantino, after a moment of hesitation, joined in the applause.
This fleeting moment was not just a trivial occurrence; it resonated deeply with observers and was seen as a significant symbol of the current state of soccer governance. Infantino leads an organization that operates much like a secular Vatican, possessing immense financial resources and a global following. Despite this, he has spent considerable time courting Trump, more than any other world leader, as he seeks to secure the U.S. government’s support for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada in 2026.
Renowned football correspondent Miguel Delaney from the Independent remarked on the unsettling transformation he witnessed, describing it as “the full Trumpification of Infantino and FIFA.” He highlighted the growing influence of corporate interests and sovereign wealth funds in the sport, particularly from Arab nations closely aligned with Trump. “There’s a boldness in everything, as traditional norms and standards are set aside,” Delaney stated, reflecting on the oddity of Trump's presence on such a prominent stage. “Trump doesn’t even get a central role in the Super Bowl presentation.”
In Europe, the traditional heart of soccer, there is a palpable sense of resignation as the global landscape of the sport shifts away from its historic roots. The upcoming tournament in North America will be the first to feature 48 national teams, a development that has sparked criticism among soccer purists. However, in Infantino’s vision, this expansion is merely a precursor to even grander plans, including the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, which promises to alter the sporting calendar and encourage European clubs to participate in events far from their home territories.
The transformation is so stark that even Sepp Blatter, Infantino’s predecessor, expressed dismay, stating, “We have lost football to Saudi Arabia.” His remarks, made during a recent interview on German television, underscore the lack of opposition within FIFA to the dramatic shifts taking place in the sport.
While Trump may not fully grasp these evolving dynamics, he is undeniably part of them. According to sports geopolitics expert Kévin Veyssière, Trump and Infantino share a similar approach to power concentration. “Infantino centralizes authority within FIFA, mirroring Trump’s ambitions in the United States. They both align with a geopolitical vision focused on the Middle East, where they have vested economic interests,” he explained.
Beyond political considerations, there are pressing concerns regarding the logistics of the upcoming tournament in Trump’s America. Climate issues have already raised alarms; various matches in the Club World Cup were interrupted by thunderstorms, and players voiced concerns about the risks posed by the continent’s sweltering summer conditions. “I don’t think I have ever played in such heat,” remarked Andreas Schjelderup, a forward for Portuguese club Benfica, following a game in Charlotte last month. “It’s not healthy, but I managed to cope.”
Off the field, other anxieties loom large. Questions arise about whether international fans and players will feel welcomed in American cities where Trump has threatened to impose strict immigration policies. Concerns were further amplified when Trump faced boos from the stadium crowd during the Sunday match. There are no indications that Trump will retract policies that have intimidated foreign travelers or marginalized immigrant communities.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, many visitors from developing nations expressed doubt about attending the tournament in the U.S. in 2026, feeling it may not be accessible. Rights organizations are urging FIFA to take a stand against Trump’s policies. “FIFA should publicly acknowledge the threat U.S. immigration and human rights issues pose to the integrity of the tournament and leverage its influence with the U.S. government to ensure the rights of all qualified teams, support staff, media, and fans are respected,” stated Minky Worden, director of global initiatives at Human Rights Watch.
A recent open letter signed by 90 civil society groups urged FIFA to advocate for the fundamental rights of international visitors and the immigrant communities that contribute to the cities hosting the tournament. As the events of Sunday suggested, it remains uncertain how Infantino will respond to these pressing concerns, though he may be tempted to continue smiling from the sidelines.
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