Skip to main content
Regional secretary with the National Education Union
Football unites the world?
Infantino cosies up to Trump as Disunited States become Fifa's latest problematic World Cup host, writes JAMES NALTON
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, March 31, 2022

FIFA has another World Cup host problem, but the president of football’s world governing body is once again turning a blind eye to many of the issues the organisation claims to care about.

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was highly controversial and raised numerous human rights issues. The 2026 edition looks set to have similar problems in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

“Fifa’s vision is to make football truly global, diverse and inclusive, for the benefit of the entire world,” reads a quote on the website of football’s global governing body, attributed to its president Gianni Infantino.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Celtic fans in the stands wave flags of Palestine during the UEFA Champions League Group E match at Celtic Park, Glasgow, October 25, 2023
Men’s football / 1 August 2025
1 August 2025

Palestinian football has been decimated, its players killed, its stadiums reduced to rubble. Yet the global game has looked away silent in the face of genocide, and will remain a stain on the sport, writes JAMES NALTON

Newcastle United's Alexander Isak,  March 2, 2025
Men’s Football / 25 July 2025
25 July 2025

The Red’s title defence is built on clever recruitment, long-term planning, and data-led strategy. In contrast, the Magpies are falling behind — and blaming the wrong things, writes JAMES NALTON

Auckland City's Gerard Garriga cools off under the sprinklers during a water break in the Club World Cup Group C soccer match between Auckland City and Boca Juniors in Nashville, Tenn., June 24, 2025
Men’s football / 18 July 2025
18 July 2025

With climate change, commercial overload and endless fixtures, footballers are being pushed to breaking point. It’s time their unions became a more powerful, unified force, writes JAMES NALTON

Chelsea's Reece James lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates and President Donald Trump (fifth from right) after Chelsea won against Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup final, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., July 13, 2025
Men's Football / 14 July 2025
14 July 2025
Similar stories
President Donald Trump meets with members of the Juventus soccer club in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Washington.
Men’s football / 20 June 2025
20 June 2025

JAMES NALTON discusses how Fifa claims to be apolitical, but as Infantino and Juventus players stood behind Trump discussing war, gender, and global politics, the line between sport and statecraft vanished

Many seats are empty as teams warm up before the Club World Cup group F soccer match between Ulsan HD and Mamelodi Sundowns in Orlando, Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Men's Football / 18 June 2025
18 June 2025
Gianni Infantino
Men’s football / 23 April 2025
23 April 2025

JAMES NALTON discusses the use of dynamic ticket pricing at the 2026 World Cup and how it amplifies a culture already set up to squeeze as much money from fans as possible

President Donald Trump speaks at an education event and exec
Men’s Football / 28 March 2025
28 March 2025
JAMES NALTON writes about Iran's qualification for the tournament and whether the United States is fit to welcome visitors from across the world