The Divided World Cup
This year’s tournament was framed as a festival of North American unity. Instead, it is testing how much of that unity remains.
TL;DR
- The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, was intended to showcase continental partnership.
- Current geopolitical tensions, including U.S. nationalism and immigration policies, are testing North American unity.
- Trade disputes and the upcoming renegotiation of the USMCA create economic uncertainty for the three nations.
- Visa issues have already impacted several national teams, including Iraq, Somalia, and South Africa.
- Concerns over immigration enforcement and potential ICE encounters near stadiums may deter fans.
- The tournament is entangled with U.S. politics, with FIFA cultivating a relationship with President Trump.
- Despite challenges, the tournament could still generate fan enthusiasm, with more nations competing and potentially the last World Cup for star players.