In FIFA's bizarre courting of Trump, has it forgotten that the game is meant for all?

Last Friday,  I and millions of people around the world watched The Village People perform a terribly off-cue rendition of the iconic song YMCA in outfits that have not aged well. Donald Trump thrust his fists into the air in what seemed to be an attempt at dancing.

This whole scenario was the bow that wrapped up a bizarre and theatrical FIFA 2026 Men’s World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.

The event featured a ridiculously forced presentation of Trump receiving FIFA’s inaugural “Peace Prize” — the selection process being led by a “Myanmar junta crony” and head of FIFA’s social responsibility committee with a very suspicious background. (FIFA president Gianni Infantino was subsquently accused of breaching the organization's "political neutrality" for the award.)

It followed with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Trump on the stage with Infantino moderating the beginning of the draw. The heads of the co-hosting nations initially looked like they were in a warped episode of Jeopardy! on the stage.

After the draws to sort out which host nation was in which group, the circus continued. A series of American athletes (not soccer players) were punctuating the stage at various times of the draw. 

While it was aggravating to see more American football players than FIFA legends, there were so few women except for Michelle Kang (owner of multiple women’s professional teams) and former USWNT member Carli Lloyd. 

WATCH | Evaluating Canada's 2026 World Cup draw:

But despite what was a weird attempt to bow to American culture, the announcement of groups and the upcoming competition is exactly what the world wanted to see. And the FIFA Men’s World Cup is precisely what the world wants. Accordingly to reports, over 1.5 billion people watched the previous tournament hosted in Qatar in 2022.

There is no doubt that the world loves this sport. People are deeply connected to the beautiful game and whether they play in alleys, on frozen pitches, barefoot on dusty streets, in lush fields, in recreational leagues on turf pitches, or in the park at family picnics, everyone has a right to access football.

People’s cultures and identities are deeply connected to this game. In some countries, football is considered a religion and its players are demi-gods.

In Canada, soccer is not yet a religion, but there have been massive conversions since the Canadian men’s team, led by American coach Jesse Marsch, has proven to be the most talented and driven squad this country has ever known. Affectionately known as “les Rouges” (the Reds), Canada is excited about not only potentially winning, but hosting matches in Vancouver and Toronto. 

This is Canada’s first time hosting a men’s tournament after hosting the Women’s World Cup in 2015 to much less fanfare and public awareness. But the country has begun to truly embrace the idea of soccer being our sport.

In addition to being good hosts, it is important for Canadians to be aware of the challenges for those accessing soccer in the other host nations.

WATCH | Dwayne De Rosario joins CBC Sports to discuss World Cup draw:

Currently, the U.S. has bans on two of the countries who have qualified for the World Cup: Haiti and Iran. This means that fans from those countries may not be permitted to attend matches where their teams are playing — even if they can afford the exorbitant ticket prices and enormous travel costs. 

Part of the joy of the World Cup is being able to proudly cheer for your country while in community with others. This could mean watch parties or neighbourhood activations.

Toronto certainly lights up at major tournaments with fans from so many communities. Be it the pride of African nations, or the passion of South American fans, or the dedication of Asian supporters, everyone is welcome and everyone has a place.

Except for the United States where ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) has been detaining people from racialized communities on whims or executive orders decided by the guy who just won FIFA’s Peace Prize.

Human Rights Watch has already documented a case of an asylum seeker who was detained and deported while taking his kids to the Club World Cup final at Met Life Stadium in July.

Instead of proudly boasting and adding colour, character and life to the World Cup, many communities may be fearful that their celebrations could make them targets.

Canada and Mexico might not have this kind of violence around the World Cup, but that’s precisely why it’s important to disregard the nonsense from Infantino and his claims of neutrality.

WATCH | Analyzing expectations for Canada after the draw:

How can political neutrality be a thing when politics are colliding with soccer at a rate faster than we can measure? How can the potential infringement of rights carried out at the World Cup be something that we don’t recognize and pay attention to?

There are concerns of increased policing and militarization, arbitrary detentions and deportations. There is a fear of unsafe spaces and exposure of vulnerable and marginalized people. Hardly the stuff that supports FIFA’s “Football Unites the World” campaign and slogan.

Ahead of the draw, a group of human rights organizations — including Sport and Rights Alliance, Human Rights Watch, the ACLU,  Dignity 2026, ACLU, AFL-CIO, Amnesty International, the Independent Supporters Council, NAACP, Athlete Ally, and Reporters Without Borders — held a joint press conference where they called for clear policies and assurances for the protection of participants, workers, athletes, children, LGTBQ people, and journalists.

“Attending a soccer match should never result in arbitrary detention or deportation,” said Daniel Noroña, director of Amnesty International USA. “The threat of excessive policing, including immigration enforcement at World Cup venues are deeply troubling, and FIFA cannot be silent. FIFA must obtain binding guarantees from U.S. authorities that the tournament will be a safe space for all, regardless of political stance, opinion or immigration status.”

Protecting the game for all

I have travelled all over the world covering soccer, but travelling to the U.S. as a racialized, Muslim woman journalist feels incredibly unsafe for me. Like billions of people, I love soccer. But does FIFA love us back?

It seems as if Infantino is too busy courting Trump to give this the time and space it deserves. Which is why the greater soccer community must step-in and act.

Boycotting is not the solution because it simply won’t happen. Walking away from the people’s game ensures victory for a dark regime governing the world’s most treasured sport. Soccer fans must unite in the joy of the sport but be critical of unfair policies and violent practices.

Our voices are not just for cheering goals or cursing officials. They can be used to speak up, share information and ideas. They can be used in unison to help protect the whole football community from tyranny and violence.

Soccer belongs to the world and we must protect it. Even if it means battling ideas implemented by those entrusted to care for it.

Our participation and action must be strong and unapologetic. There is a way to thread the proverbial needle with concern for the people around the game and for our passion for it. How can we immerse ourselves in a game that is used to bring so much joy but then ignore those being harmed by leaders in charge of it?

In the current climate, being a fan goes hand in hand with being political and being engaged in sport. We can either be guardians of the game or pawns in one. 

The best way to protect soccer is to talk louder, cheer emphatically and love even harder.