The run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is going through an unprecedented political storm. FIFA president Gianni Infantino is at the center of the scandal after canceling his participation in his own congress to meet with Donald Trump in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
This gesture was interpreted by UEFA as an act of institutional contempt and motivated by personal political interests. Several European officials walked out of the event in protest, and the pressure has escalated to the point where several voices are calling for a partial boycott of the 2026 World Cup, mainly against matches on U.S. soil.
FIFA, Trump and their links
Infantino’s meeting with Trump has been strongly criticized by organizations such as Human Rights Watch.
They accuse FIFA of lacking transparency and commitment to human rights.
Minky Worden, HRW’s director of global initiatives, called on the FIFA president to “accurately detail his achievements for soccer and human rights,” questioning his leadership.
This new scandal comes on top of the already controversial choice of Saudi Arabia to host the 2034 World Cup.
A decision taken without competition and with strong accusations of authoritarianism, repression and buying of wills in FIFA.
What about Hispanic fans?
Buzzy
The Latino community in the United States could be affected by the controversy, especially if the country’s international image as host of the 2026 World Cup is aggravated.
There are already concerns among fans in Latin America and Europe about the aggressive immigration policies promoted by Trump.
Such as arbitrary detentions of tourists and entry restrictions.
This could have a significant economic and cultural impact, as millions of Hispanics are expected to participate in the event as fans, volunteers or service sector workers in the host cities.
Boycott under discussion
The idea of a partial boycott of the 2026 World Cup is gaining strength among European sectors and social organizations.
The strongest proposal suggests avoiding games being played in the United States and moving them to Canada and Mexico, the other two co-host countries.
FIFA accused of lacking transparency and commitment to human rights
QueOnnda.com
Although there are no official decisions yet, pressure is mounting.
The accusations against Infantino for “abuse of power” and his ties to Trump have damaged FIFA’s credibility, and with it, the image of the 2026 World Cup.
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