US Hosting World Cup Would Be a Nightmare - It's Justified
The news that the United States might no longer host the 2026 World Cup has sparked an emotional reaction from fans and stakeholders alike. While it would undoubtedly be a blow to American soccer, the decision could also be seen as a necessary evil.
The prospect of hosting the world's most-watched sporting event is a tantalizing one for cities and businesses across the country. However, concerns over safety, security, and social justice have come to the fore in recent years. Federal agents have been involved in high-profile killings, including those of innocent bystanders in Minneapolis. The administration that has captured foreign leaders and engaged in aggressive military action overseas cannot be trusted to host a safe and secure World Cup.
Moreover, the tournament's emphasis on "peace and unity" rings hollow when faced with such a backdrop. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently stated that football is bigger than any government or regime, but it's hard to ignore the reality of the situation. The United States has a history of violence and xenophobia, particularly under the current administration.
The thought of holding World Cups in autocratic or destructive countries is not new, but the scale and visibility of this particular event make it a uniquely concerning prospect. While some have called for a boycott to force FIFA's hand, it's unclear whether that would be effective or desirable.
It's worth acknowledging that football can survive and even thrive despite such circumstances. However, the World Cup is a different story altogether. The potential consequences of hosting this event in a country with a troubled record on human rights and social justice are too great to ignore. Ultimately, the decision to remove the United States as a co-host of the 2026 World Cup may be seen as an eminently sad outcome, but one that is also entirely justified.
The news that the United States might no longer host the 2026 World Cup has sparked an emotional reaction from fans and stakeholders alike. While it would undoubtedly be a blow to American soccer, the decision could also be seen as a necessary evil.
The prospect of hosting the world's most-watched sporting event is a tantalizing one for cities and businesses across the country. However, concerns over safety, security, and social justice have come to the fore in recent years. Federal agents have been involved in high-profile killings, including those of innocent bystanders in Minneapolis. The administration that has captured foreign leaders and engaged in aggressive military action overseas cannot be trusted to host a safe and secure World Cup.
Moreover, the tournament's emphasis on "peace and unity" rings hollow when faced with such a backdrop. FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently stated that football is bigger than any government or regime, but it's hard to ignore the reality of the situation. The United States has a history of violence and xenophobia, particularly under the current administration.
The thought of holding World Cups in autocratic or destructive countries is not new, but the scale and visibility of this particular event make it a uniquely concerning prospect. While some have called for a boycott to force FIFA's hand, it's unclear whether that would be effective or desirable.
It's worth acknowledging that football can survive and even thrive despite such circumstances. However, the World Cup is a different story altogether. The potential consequences of hosting this event in a country with a troubled record on human rights and social justice are too great to ignore. Ultimately, the decision to remove the United States as a co-host of the 2026 World Cup may be seen as an eminently sad outcome, but one that is also entirely justified.