elpais.com
Trump's Policies Threaten 2026 World Cup's Success in the US
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, faces challenges from President Trump's policies, including immigration restrictions and trade disputes, which threaten to overshadow the event despite FIFA's efforts to boost soccer's popularity in the US.
- What are the immediate impacts of President Trump's policies on the upcoming 2026 World Cup, and how might these affect the tournament's success?
- The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada, aims to boost soccer's popularity in the US, but faces challenges. President Trump's policies, including immigration restrictions and trade disputes, threaten to overshadow the event, impacting tourism and potentially alienating fans from participating countries. Despite FIFA president Infantino's close ties with Trump, these issues could significantly hinder the tournament's success.
- What long-term effects could President Trump's political climate and current economic policies have on the growth and popularity of soccer in the United States?
- The success of the 2026 World Cup in the US hinges on overcoming political and economic headwinds. Trump's restrictive immigration policies could significantly reduce international fan attendance, jeopardizing the event's atmosphere and economic benefits. The lack of widespread soccer popularity, reflected in low initial ticket sales, presents a considerable hurdle, potentially requiring a long-term strategy to cultivate interest.
- How do the peculiar World Club Cup qualification rules, along with the economic climate and soccer's current popularity in the US, affect the prospects of the tournament?
- Trump's policies create friction with neighboring countries, potentially disrupting the logistical coordination crucial for a successful World Cup. High ticket prices, coupled with economic downturn and the relatively low popularity of soccer in the US, further dampen the event's projected success, despite the inclusion of Messi's Inter Miami. The scheduling of many matches during European peak viewing times suggests a focus on international audiences rather than a dedicated US-centric approach.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article frames the narrative around the potential negative consequences of Trump's policies, emphasizing the political tensions and their potential impact on the World Cups. The headline (if there was one) likely focuses on the political issues, overshadowing the sporting aspect. The introduction highlights the political relationship between Infantino and Trump, setting a tone of skepticism and potential conflict.
Language Bias
The article uses loaded language, such as "hostility," "threaten," "erratic policy," and "marginal teams." These terms carry negative connotations and shape the reader's perception of Trump's policies and the World Cups. More neutral alternatives could include "tensions," "challenges," "unconventional policies," and "lesser-known teams.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the political relationship between Infantino and Trump, and the potential negative impact of Trump's policies on the World Cups. However, it omits discussion of potential positive impacts of the World Cups on US-Mexico-Canada relations, economic benefits for the host countries, or the perspectives of fans and players outside of the political sphere. The article also doesn't explore alternative perspectives on Trump's policies or their actual effect on tourism and visa applications. While acknowledging the limited space, these omissions create a skewed narrative.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the success of the World Cups as solely dependent on the political relationship between Infantino and Trump, and ignoring other factors that contribute to the success of major sporting events such as infrastructure, fan engagement, and media coverage.
Gender Bias
The article does not exhibit significant gender bias. While it primarily focuses on male figures (Infantino, Trump), this reflects the prominent male leadership roles in FIFA and US politics, rather than intentional gender bias.
Sustainable Development Goals
Trump's policies, including hostility towards neighbors, immigration decisions, trade policies, and entry bans for citizens of multiple countries, negatively impact the inclusivity and accessibility of the World Cup, thus increasing inequality in access to and participation in the event. The high ticket prices further exacerbate this inequality, making the event inaccessible to many.