CNN 5 Things One Thing: How Trump is Using the World Cup to Further His Goals
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Nov 30, 2025 Joining the discussion is Don Riddell, CNN World Sport anchor, who offers insights on the impending 2026 FIFA World Cup. He reveals how Trump has intertwined his political ambitions with the tournament, even threatening cities that resist his policies. Riddell discusses the complex logistics behind moving games and warns of visa issues that may deter international fans. He also highlights how immigration policies might clash with fan enjoyment, raising questions about safety that could keep spectators at home.
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World Cup Will Be Unprecedentedly Large
- The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever with 48 teams across the US, Mexico, and Canada, producing 104 games and massive logistics demands.
- Hosting across three huge countries makes travel, scheduling, and fan planning far more complex than past tournaments.
Trump Has Direct Influence Over Planning
- Donald Trump has actively inserted himself into World Cup planning by forging a close relationship with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- Trump chairs a White House FIFA task force and uses those meetings to shape logistics and security discussions.
Threats To Move Games Are Political Leverage
- Trump has repeatedly suggested he could move games away from cities whose leaders oppose his policies, framing it as a safety and appreciation issue.
- His public threats serve as political pressure on Democratic-led cities hosting matches.