The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to break all records. It will be the largest edition in the history of the tournament, with 48 participating teams, 104 matches and three host countries: United States, Mexico and Canada. However, in addition to soccer, there is another protagonist that is already generating debate before the opening whistle: U.S. President Donald Trump.
With days to go before the tournament kicks off, the organization of the World Cup is moving forward amid a scenario where sports, politics and immigration issues are constantly intertwined. From Washington to the host cities, Trump’s presence has been a recurring factor in conversations related to the event. We analyze how Donald Trump becomes another protagonist of the 2026 World Cup.
An unprecedented World Cup
🤯🇺🇸 Please, how crazy SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, 10 days before the start of the World Cup.
‼️ EIGHT MATCHES will be played, including the U.S. debut vs. Paraguay.
It has a maximum capacity of 70 THOUSAND people.⚠️pic.twitter.com/JT8MkWXayU
– Soccer Attack (@AtaqueFutbolero) June 1, 2026
The magnitude of the 2026 World Cup is unmatched by previous editions.
While Qatar 2022 will be played in a relatively small geographical area, North America will present a gigantic logistical challenge.
The games will be played in 16 cities in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iconic stadiums such as Mexico City’s Azteca will share the limelight with modern facilities such as SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the venue for the grand final scheduled for July 19, 2026.
The distance between some venues exceeds 4,000 kilometers, which will force teams, fans and organizers to face logistics never seen before in a World Cup.
Messi, Cristiano and a historic generation
In what is likely to be the last World Cup for these cracks, who has the best chance of being World Champion? 🔥
Neymar with Brazil. 🇧🇷
Messi with Argentina. 🇦🇷
Cristiano with Portugal. 🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/AwvOXTbcKI– ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) November 12, 2025
The tournament could also represent the last World Cup for two of the most important figures in the history of soccer: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Argentina will arrive as defending champions after winning the title in Qatar 2022, while other stars will be looking to write their own history.
Among them are Kylian Mbappé, who is aiming to win another World Cup, and Lamine Yamal, who could play his first World Cup as one of Spain’s top players.
In addition, Brazil will begin a new phase under the technical direction of Carlo Ancelotti, who will have his first World Cup experience as national coach.
Politics, migration and controversies
How ICE will act during the World Cup #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/LrmdhxoZ6y
– Federico Alves, Econ (@federicoalves) June 7, 2026
Beyond sports, the World Cup has also been surrounded by political issues.
One of the most commented cases has been the participation of Iran, which generated doubts due to international tensions between Tehran, Washington and Israel.
Added to this is the concern of civil organizations and immigrant advocacy groups about possible security operations related to federal agencies, such as ICE, during the tournament.
Another issue that has generated controversy is the price of tickets.
The dynamic sales system used in the United States allows tickets to constantly change in value according to demand, causing some listings to reach million-dollar figures on resale platforms.
With state-of-the-art stadiums, legendary figures, political debates and an unprecedented global audience, the 2026 World Cup aims to become much more than a soccer tournament.
It will be an event capable of reflecting the complex social, economic and political realities of North America as millions of fans watch every play.
Filed under: World Cup 2026 protagonist Donald Trump
