The Playbook Podcast Trump’s World Cup draws closer
Dec 5, 2025
Join Sophia Cai, a White House reporter and co-author of The West Wing Playbook, as she delves into the high-stakes drama surrounding the FIFA World Cup draw. She reveals behind-the-scenes interactions, including Trump's response to a Canadian ad and his meetings with Canadian and Mexican leaders despite previous tensions. FIFA's attempts to charm Trump with a Peace Prize highlight the political undercurrents, while potential group matchups raise eyebrows, especially with Iran's boycott looming. Don't miss her insights on reporting live from the event!
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Kennedy Center Gathering And First Meeting
- Sophia Cai recounts that all the soccer federations and world leaders will gather at the Kennedy Center for the World Cup draw.
- She notes this will be the first public encounter between President Donald Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau since a trade ad spat, though she expects a cordial scene on Trump's turf.
FIFA's Ego-Stroking Strategy
- FIFA created a new Peace Prize this year and plans to award it to President Donald Trump.
- Sophia Cai frames these gestures as Infantino stroking Trump's ego to secure cooperation for the U.S.-led World Cup.
Funding Shapes FIFA's Politics
- FIFA needs federal cooperation and funding—roughly $500 million—to stage the tournament, so it has been careful not to publicly alienate the host governments.
- That dependency shapes FIFA's unusually deferential posture toward Trump and U.S. authorities.
