Keen On America Justice is Round: Mussolini Couldn't Woo the World Cup, Neither Will Trump
Dec 22, 2025
Simon Kuper, an experienced football writer and World Cup historian, delves into the politics of the 2026 World Cup. He argues that efforts by figures like Trump to manipulate the tournament will fail, echoing Mussolini's past attempts. Kuper emphasizes the World Cup's role as a communal celebration over a political stage. He also discusses the importance of smaller nations, critiques high ticket prices, and explores the clash between local pride and celebrity culture. His insights on global football dynamics are as captivating as they are thought-provoking.
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Sport Outlives Authoritarian Spectacle
- The World Cup outlives political attempts to hijack it and survives authoritarian theatrics.
- Simon Kuper argues the game's moments — goals, dribbles, refereeing controversies — endure beyond leaders' flattery.
World Cup As A Public Good
- Kuper sees the World Cup as a public good that should not be exploited for profit.
- He criticises high ticket prices and stadium profiteering as against the tournament's spirit.
1990 Tickets Through A Mars Sponsor
- Simon's first World Cup was 1990 where he got tickets via a Mars sponsor connection and saw half-empty stadiums.
- He recalls English hooliganism fears kept many fans away, shaping that tournament's atmosphere.