You’ve probably seen the photos by now. Donald Trump standing on a podium, towering over soccer players, holding a gold replica of the World Cup trophy like he just scored the winning goal himself. It’s a surreal image, especially for a sport that, let’s be honest, has never been the primary obsession of the MAGA world. But as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the intersection of global football and "America First" politics has become one of the strangest, most high-stakes stories in modern sports.
A lot of people think Trump’s involvement with the World Cup is just a recent PR stunt. It’s not. He’s been in the weeds of this since 2017, and his fingerprints are all over the logistics, the diplomacy, and—believe it or not—the visa rules that will determine who actually gets to sit in the stands.
The Unlikely Bromance: Trump and Gianni Infantino
If you want to understand how we got here, you have to look at the relationship between Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino. It is, quite frankly, one of the weirdest "bromances" in international relations.
Back in August 2018, Infantino visited the White House for the first time. He gave Trump a set of referee cards—yellow and red. Trump, in classic fashion, immediately "carded" the media in the room. They laughed. A friendship was born. Since then, Infantino hasn't just been a sports executive; he’s been a fixture in Trump’s orbit. He was at the 2025 inauguration. He showed up at a peace summit in Egypt. He even praised Trump’s "American Dream" rhetoric at the World Economic Forum.
Why does this matter? Because FIFA is supposed to be politically neutral. But Infantino has basically tethered the world’s biggest sporting event to the Trump administration. FIFA even opened an office in Trump Tower in New York. They’re building a massive headquarters in Miami, not far from Mar-a-Lago. This isn't just a business deal; it's a total alignment of brands.
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The Task Force and the $40 Billion Bet
In March 2025, Trump did something unprecedented for a U.S. President regarding a sporting event. He signed an Executive Order creating the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Usually, the government just provides security and calls it a day. Not this time. Trump is the Chair of the task force. JD Vance is the Vice Chair. It’s a full-court press involving the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department.
The goal? Trump wants to make sure this is the most profitable event in history. We’re talking about an estimated economic impact of $40 billion. For Trump, the World Cup isn't just about soccer; it’s a massive commercial for American exceptionalism. He’s explicitly linked it to the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026. He’s treating it like a month-long birthday party for the United States, with himself as the guest of honor.
The Visa Controversy: Who Gets In?
Here is where things get messy. As of early 2026, the administration has expanded travel restrictions. There’s a list of about 75 countries—including nations like Iran, Somalia, and Syria—where citizens are facing significant hurdles to enter the U.S.
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This creates a massive headache for a global tournament. If Iran qualifies, can their fans come? Can their media report on it?
To keep FIFA happy, the administration issued a "Major Sporting Events" exemption. Here’s the breakdown of how that works in practice:
- Athletes and Coaches: Generally exempt. They get a "FIFA PASS" (Priority Appointment Scheduling System) to get their visas fast-tracked.
- Support Staff: Also mostly exempt.
- Fans and Spectators: This is the sticking point. The exemption does not automatically apply to fans. If you’re a fan from a country on the restricted list, a match ticket doesn't guarantee you a visa.
FIFA had to put out a blunt statement essentially telling fans: "A ticket isn't a golden passport." It’s a weird tension. Trump wants the spectacle, but he isn't backing down on the border policies that make the spectacle difficult to pull off for a global audience.
Moving Matches? The Political Pressure
One of the more controversial rumors that has turned out to be true is the pressure on host cities. Trump has publicly floated the idea of moving high-profile matches out of Democrat-controlled "Sanctuary Cities" if they don't cooperate with federal authorities.
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It’s a power move. Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle are set to host major games. By dangling the threat of moving a quarter-final to a more "friendly" jurisdiction, the administration is using the World Cup as leverage in domestic policy fights. Whether he actually pulls the trigger is anyone's guess, but the threat alone has put local organizers on edge.
What This Means for You
If you’re planning on attending the 2026 World Cup, the "Trump factor" isn't just background noise. It affects everything from security wait times to who you'll see in the seat next to you.
Soccer in America used to be seen as a "coastal elite" or "suburban parent" sport. Trump is trying to flip that script. By leaning into the World Cup, he’s trying to bring the sport into the MAGA mainstream, treating it more like the Super Bowl or a massive rally than a niche international hobby.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Apply for Visas NOW: If you are a non-U.S. citizen, do not wait for the "FIFA PASS" system to be perfect. Processing times are expected to be historic.
- Monitor "Sanctuary" Tensions: If you’ve booked travel to a specific city, keep an eye on federal-local disputes. While moving a match is a logistical nightmare, the administration has shown they aren't afraid of a little chaos.
- Prepare for Heavy Security: With the White House Task Force overseeing things, expect "National Special Security Event" (NSSE) levels of screening at every stadium. This will be tighter than any NFL game you’ve ever attended.
- The Miami Factor: If you want the "center of the action," Miami is it. Between FIFA’s new HQ and the proximity to the President’s home, the Florida matches are going to be the epicenter of the political-sporting crossover.
The 2026 World Cup was always going to be big. But with Trump at the helm of the host nation, it’s turned into something else entirely: a test case for how a globalist sport survives in an "America First" world. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be expensive, and honestly, it’s going to be unlike any World Cup we’ve ever seen.