Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
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.
Similar stories
infantino
Men’s football / 3 August 2026
3 August 2026
Cartoon: Malc McGookin
Men’s football / 31 July 2026
31 July 2026

Resistance grows as Fifa seeks to hand private investors a slice of the international game, writes JAMES NALTON

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the match schedule reveal for the 2026 soccer World Cup in Washington, December 6, 2025
Men’s Football / 29 July 2026
29 July 2026

PM says football belongs to fans as governing bodies unite against Fifa plans

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a news conference at the stadium in Mexico City, Wednesday, June 10, 2026, a day before the opening FIFA World Cup match between Mexico and South Africa
Men’s Football / 27 July 2026
27 July 2026