Does Soccer Still Explain the World?

The article critiques FIFA President Gianni Infantino's claim that soccer is a universal language of unity, juxtaposing it with the politicization of the 2026 World Cup hosted in the United States under Donald Trump. It highlights Infantino's close ties to Trump, including inventing a 'FIFA Peace Prize' for him and supporting xenophobic travel bans. The piece details how players and officials have been detained, searched, or banned from entering the US, and notes that the Iranian national team was not allowed to stay overnight after matches. It also discusses the shift from Russian to American and Gulf state ownership of top European clubs, arguing that soccer is driven by money and power rather than hope and joy.

First published Aug 4, 02:57 PM UTCUpdated Jul 17, 10:00 AM UTC1 reports · 1 sources

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Last updated: Jul 17, 10:00 AM UTCEditorial record as of Aug 4, 02:57 PM UTC

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Does Soccer Still Explain the World?

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Does Soccer Still Explain the World?The New RepublicWesternJul 17, 10:00 AM UTC

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Gianni Infantino Donald Trump FIFA United States Iran Gaza