FIFA’s World Cup in the United States: Money, Politics, and Prestige

As the second week of the World Cup unfolds, many fans find themselves entranced by the matches, often battling time zone differences to catch live events during unusual hours. The decision by FIFA to host the tournament in the United States has led to widespread sleep deprivation for some. However, for FIFA, this event signifies an unprecedented financial triumph, marking the most profitable World Cup to date.

FIFA has long aimed to capture the American market, a pursuit exemplified by the friendly rapport between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former U.S. President Donald Trump. No other FIFA president has cultivated such a close relationship with a world leader as Infantino has with Trump, creating significant shifts within the organization.

Journalists Rebecca Ruiz and Tariq Panja have delved into what they describe as the ‘Trumpification of FIFA.’ This transformation is marked by new ventures such as FIFA crypto and FIFA hotels.

“What people tend to remember is the peace prize.”

In the previous fall, Infantino conceived a novel idea inspired by the recent Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan politician María Corina Machado. Trump, who had actively pursued this recognition, was disappointed by the outcome. Seizing an opportunity to strengthen ties with Trump, Infantino proposed the creation of FIFA’s own peace prize. The inaugural recipient was none other than Donald Trump himself.