Today, Explained Trump’s World Cup
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Jan 6, 2026 
Adam Crafton, a soccer reporter for The Athletic, dives into the significance of the 2026 World Cup in North America and President Trump's role in it. He discusses the collaborative bid from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, as well as Gianni Infantino's ascent to power within FIFA. Crafton reveals the intriguing dynamics of Trump and Infantino's relationship, including the controversial FIFA Peace Prize. He also addresses concerns like immigration enforcement at matches and the high ticket prices, all while highlighting the tournament's cultural impact.
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Tri-Nation Bid Eased Post-Scandal Concerns
- The U.S.-Mexico-Canada 2026 bid succeeded partly because a single U.S. bid looked risky after FIFA's corruption scandal.
- Joining with Canada and Mexico softened the bid and reassured voters amid political worries about the U.S.
Infantino's Political Networking Boosted FIFA
- Gianni Infantino leveraged his UEFA background and the 2015 FIFA collapse to rise to power.
- He cultivated ties with leaders like Donald Trump to secure influence and access for FIFA.
Davos Moment Cemented Their Bond
- Infantino introduced Trump at Davos and praised him as a fighter and compared him to great soccer players.
- That public praise helped build a visible, personal bond between Infantino and Trump.