Potential Impacts of Cohost Politics on World Cup 2026

As the World Cup of 2026 approaches, Los Angeles, one of the host cities, is embroiled in protests related to immigration and minorities' deportation. Meanwhile, a volatile trade war between the host countries and the shifting sands of politics could complicate matters.

While predicting the future under President Donald Trump can be perilous, preparations for this major sports event must already begin. Held during Trump's first term when relations between the host countries were more harmonious, the tournament is shaping up to be a significant international event.

The ongoing protests in Los Angeles pose an immediate safety concern, particularly for the upcoming Club World Cup. European champions Paris Saint-Germain are set to meet Atletico Madrid in LA on June 15, the tournament's opening day. Los Angeles will also host the first U.S. game of the 2026 World Cup on June 12.

Trump's travel ban, which went into effect on Monday, bars citizens from Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen from entering the U.S. However, exceptions have been made for athletes, coaches, support staff, and immediate relatives traveling for the World Cup or other major sporting events. Iran, who have already qualified for the World Cup, are affected by this ban, making it difficult for their fans to travel to the U.S.

Trump's willingness to make exceptions under pressure suggests that he may be using the World Cup as an opportunity to enhance his own reputation and global image. With his love for sports, he is likely to seize the chance to bask in the tournament's glory. However, things with Trump can change quickly, and there's a great deal of uncertainty about his behavior.

The tariff war, which began soon after Trump took office, has targeted Canada and Mexico, along with China. Economist Andrew Zimbalist, author of "Circus Maximus," argues that leaders like Canadian Mark Carney and Mexican Claudia Sheinbaum, both smart, popular, and unwilling to bow down to Trump, will not allow their countries to be marginalized.

For Mexican fans in particular, traveling to the U.S. for matches is a complex and tense business. Fans have complained about significant visa processing delays and fear safety concerns around government-related matters. The demand for, and interest in, the World Cup will be on a different level, but political relations may still impact fans' decisions to attend, even if the stands will be full.

While Canadians are less central to the current events in LA, the U.S.'s northern neighbors have been at odds with the Trump administration. Tensions have spilled over into ice hockey games, with the Canadian national anthem being booed. For those planning to participate in or attend the World Cup, understanding the political mood and its implications has become as important as waiting for qualifying results.

In the coming year, it is possible that frictions between Mexico and Trump could affect the tournament, with threats to withhold participation not unimaginable. The Club World Cup, hosted solely by the U.S., is seen as a test of the country's readiness to host the 2026 World Cup. Any deterioration of relations between the three co-hosts will be critical to the tournament's success.

The government's travel ban, affecting citizens from various countries including Iran, might impact the World Cup, as it could make it difficult for some fans to travel to the U.S.
Europe, specifically Paris Saint-Germain, and Asia, represented by Atletico Madrid, will clash in the opening day of the Club World Cup, to be held in a city embroiled in migration and immigration-related protests.
Understanding the political mood and its implications, particularly in relation to general-news topics like migration and politics, has become crucial for those planning to participate in or attend the World Cup.
The ongoing trade war, which started under the Trump administration, is likely to continue affecting countries like Canada, Mexico, and China, potentially complicating matters leading up to the World Cup.
The World Cup of 2026, held in multiple locations including Europe and Asia, is poised to be a significant international event, attracting attention from media outlets covering general-news, crime-and-justice, and sports, including football.
The success of the Club World Cup, hosted solely by the U.S., will serve as a test for the country's readiness to handle the larger 2026 World Cup, particularly considering the ongoing political tensions and protests.