Trump's World Cup Shadow: A Politicized Tournament The 2026 World Cup was intended as a celebration of football's unifying power, bringing nations together in a shared love for the sport.
Instead, it became a backdrop for Donald Trump's efforts to court his domestic audience, using the tournament to shore up support ahead of the US midterm elections.
Trump's lingering presence on stage after Spain's victory over Argentina was a jarring reminder that this was no ordinary sporting event.