Trump World Cup Opens! How Long will President’s Shadow Be?

The “Trump World Cup” is finally coming to America — and Donald Trump wants to be at the center of it. The 2026 tournament opens in the United States, Mexico and Canada with the U.S. hosting the largest share: 78 of 104 matches in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Seattle.

More than five million fans are expected across the tournament. Trump has called it the “biggest sporting event in the world.” For the president, it is also a stage.

But the Trump World Cup begins with political risks everywhere. The Iran war is still raging. Border dramas, visa disputes, ICE fears, high prices and traffic concerns are already part of the story. Trump wants to sell the tournament as a triumph of his presidency. But experts warn it may not help him.

Can Trump Claim Credit?

Jonathan Cristol, a foreign-policy scholar, told America Report the tournament is unlikely to become a major domestic political win for Trump.

“I think that the World Cup is politically neutral for Trump domestically,” Cristol said. “Everyone is excited about the World Cup and proud to be a host country, soccer fans and non-soccer fans alike; but nobody really remembers that it was awarded to the host countries during Trump’s first term.”

Cristol added that “only the president’s most die-hard supporters give him personal credit for bringing it to the United States,” especially because only part of the tournament is being hosted by the U.S.

Trump has worked closely with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. He praised him as one of the great men of sport and has celebrated the expected economic boost. The World Cup could bring tens of billions of dollars into the U.S. economy and support hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Still, Trump’s first days of the tournament may be dominated by other spectacles: his 80th birthday on Sunday, marked by UFC fights at the White House, and the 250th birthday of the United States on July 4.

Iran And ICE Become Flashpoints

The most explosive World Cup controversy is Iran. The U.S. and Iran are effectively locked in conflict while Iran’s national team plays its group games in America. The team is based in Tijuana, Mexico, and must travel into the U.S. for matches under tight security. Some staff members and officials reportedly did not receive visas.

A possible USA-Iran knockout match could become the most politically charged game of the tournament. If both teams finish second in their groups, they could meet on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.

ICE also casts a shadow over the Trump World Cup. Officials have said immigration raids are not expected near stadiums. But fear remains high among many fans, especially after the Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was denied entry into the U.S.

Cristol warned that the World Cup headlines involving the administration are more likely to be negative than positive, citing denied entries and the possibility of “CBP and ICE horror stories” involving players and fans.

A Distraction, Not A Boost

Scott Erb, Professor of Political Science, told America Report sporting events can be risky for Trump.

“If President Trump’s visit to the NBA finals to support the New York Knicks is any indication, sporting events can be risky,” Erb said. “Not only was he pretty loudly booed, but cameras caught him apparently asleep at the game.”

Erb expects Trump to attend games, especially at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, and try to take credit for bringing the World Cup to the U.S. But he doubts it will lift Trump politically.

“I doubt very much that President Trump will gain political traction,” Erb said. “I do suspect he’ll be more of a distraction.”