The Epic Story of How Trump Seized the World Cup

Article excerpt

A stunning FIFA vote handed the 2022 World Cup to Qatar over a favored American bid, setting off a chain reaction of bitterness, federal indictments, and upheaval at soccer's governing body. Former U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati captured the sting of the rejection, torn between swearing off FIFA forever or immediately mounting another campaign. That rejection ultimately paved the way for Donald Trump to seize control of the narrative around the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted in the United States, a reversal that came only after FIFA's credibility collapsed and its leadership faced criminal charges.