The Breakdown 6

• The 2026 World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is facing mounting calls for a boycott, fueled by political backlash against U.S. President Donald Trump's controversial policies and trade tariffs.
• Prominent voices in the football community, including former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, are backing the boycott, likening the situation to the political ramifications of the 1980 Olympic boycott.
• Supporters of the boycott argue that the event should not be used to legitimize Trump's administration and its stance on various geopolitical issues.
• With significant pressure coming from Europe, national teams are being urged to reconsider their participation in the tournament as a form of political protest.
• Blatter has also issued warnings to fans planning to attend the World Cup, highlighting the potential risks associated with the current political climate in the U.S.
• The debate intertwines the rich legacy of FIFA with profound questions about the role of sports in political discourse, raising critical issues about the responsibilities of athletes and organizations in addressing global injustices.