Expert Names The Most Blatant Way Trump Is Trying To Exploit The World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in June — and HuffPost will be live-blogging every twist, turn and controversy from the buildup through the final of what’s widely shaping up to be the most political soccer tournament of all time.From the action on the pitch to the potential chaos off it, the storylines are already piling up: Iran’s possible non-participation amid Donald Trump’s war, the president’s close relationship with FIFA’s Peace Prize-awarding President Gianni Infantino, and simmering tensions between the U.S. and fellow host nations Mexico and Canada fueled by Trump’s tariffs and divisive rhetoric.Trump’s travel bans could keep some fans out, there’s been fury over soaring ticket prices, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could be present at games as the Trump administration continues its anti-immigration crackdown.Not to mention extreme heat concerns that scorched all those involved the last time the U.S. hosted the tournament some 32 years ago, in 1994.And that’s all before a ball has been kicked.U.S. President Donald Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA President Gianni Infantino in December.Andrew Harnik via Getty ImagesOn the field, the men’s national teams from 48 countries will compete in a record 104 matches across the three host nations in what will be the biggest World Cup in history.Mexico will take on South Africa at the iconic Mexico City Stadium in the opening game on June 11. The U.S. will play Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12, Australia in Seattle on June 19 and Turkey back in Los Angeles on June 25, in the group games, before potentially competing in the later knockout rounds.The final will be held on July 19 at MetLife Stadium, which is being temporarily rebranded as the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the competition.Current European champions Spain are favorites to lift the trophy. Defending champions Argentina, of Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi fame, along with France, England and Brazil, are also expected to be in the mix.Check out the full games schedule on the FIFA website.Follow along with our coverage below:Expert Names The Most Blatant Way Trump Is Trying To Exploit The World CupPresident Donald Trump receiving the FIFA Peace Prize from his buddy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, is the most blatant example of him trying to exploit this year's World Cup for his political advantage, an expert has revealed to HuffPost.“As ludicrous as the prize might sound to a lot of people, to him, he looks important,” said Jules Boykoff, a professor at Pacific University and an expert in international sports politics.Months before he launched the U.S. into his unpopular Iran war, Infantino awarded Trump the prize, citing the commander in chief’s “unwavering commitment to advancing peace and unity” as the rationale behind the award.Boykoff said Trump is also trying to achieve a “halo effect” from other “extraordinarily popular” events like the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and next month’s Freedom 250 UFC fight card at the White House.“The worse that Donald Trump’s approval ratings get,” Boykoff said, the more incentive he has to “cling to sports as a sort of political life raft.” Read more:Latest Live UpdatesU.S. Soccer Coach Opens Up About Future As Post-World Cup Job Rumors SwirlU.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino said his agent may have spoken with AC Milan and he also may have had a casual conversation with the Italian club but he remains open to staying with the American national team after the World Cup.Read more here:Host Nations Tighten Ebola Precautions Before World CupThe United States, Mexico and Canada on Thursday announced aligned public health travel measures for people coming from African regions at the greatest risk from Ebola, they said in a joint statement, as they aim to protect citizens and visitors during the World Cup."The health and safety of every person in the region remains our highest priority as we welcome the world to North America," they said in the statement, which did not detail the aligned measures.The World Health Organization on Sunday, May 17, declared an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and said there was a high risk it could spread to neighboring countries.The decision has prompted governments to step up travel-related containment measures.Washington last week banned non-citizens who had traveled to the DRC, Uganda or South Sudan in recent weeks from entering the United States. On Friday, the ban was extended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to green card holders who have been in those countries in the previous 21 days.Canada has banned residents from the DRC, Uganda ‌and South Sudan from entering the country for 90 days, which started on Wednesday.Canadian citizens, permanent residents and other foreign nationals who have been in affected areas in recent weeks and do not have symptoms will have to quarantine for 21 days from May 30, according to a statement from Canada's public health agency.Mexico's Health Secretary David Kershenovich on Monday outlined tighter Ebola screening measures at airports, urging the public to avoid travel to DRC and asking arrivals from the country to observe a 21-day quarantine.FAA Issues Major Drone Warning Ahead Of The World CupThe U.S. Federal Aviation Administration said on Thursday it will bar drones over FIFA World Cup 2026 matches and related fan events across the U.S., to fortify security.During match days, all aircraft operations, including drones, are prohibited within a radius of three nautical miles and up to 3,000 feet above ground level around the stadiums unless specifically authorized by air traffic controllers.Drones will be barred within a one-nautical-mile radius and up to 1,000 feet above ground level for fan events throughout the country.The FAA said drone operators who enter restricted airspace without approval can face fines of up to $100,000, along with criminal charges and confiscation of the drone.The FBI also has drone mitigation teams it will station around World Cup stadiums as an added layer of protection.New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said last week the department had received new authority "to work with our federal partners ... to confront credible drone threats at major events." She added that, "Over the past several months, we have purchased $6.5 million in drone-mitigation equipment."She said drones can easily be adapted as "weapons of war" and New York is on guard across events for the 250th anniversary of the U.S.Lawmakers and others have expressed alarm about prior drone incidents near airports and sporting events.A man pleaded guilty last year after he was charged with violating defense airspace after he flew a drone over the NFL AFC Championship game in Baltimore in January 2025; a Massachusetts man was charged with unlawfully flying a drone near the finish line of the April 2024 Boston Marathon, which prompted law enforcement to seize it mid-air and land it.Senegal Moves To Quash Reports Over Coach And World Cup Travel DelayReports that Senegal coach Pape Thiaw is refusing to travel to the United States for World Cup preparations are false, according to the Senegalese Football Federation.News reports out of Africa claimed Thiaw was involved in a contract dispute with the FSF after his deal expired in February and that his frustrations over negotiations were holding up travel on Wednesday, prompting a departure delay of nearly eight hours.The FSF said those rumors were untrue and that logistical issues -- flight permits and visas -- were behind the delay."The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) wishes to inform the national and international public of the circumstances surrounding the departure of the national football team to the United States, in order to establish the truth of the facts in response to erroneous information relayed by certain media outlets and on social networks," a statement said."The FSF categorically denies the unfounded rumors suggesting that the national team manager refused to travel on grounds related to the renegotiation of his contract. Whilst legitimate contractual discussions are ongoing, they have had no impact on the team's travel schedule."These minor logistical setbacks in no way undermine the cohesion and determination of the players, the technical staff and the federation. The group remains fully united as the Lions approach the important fixtures awaiting them on American soil. The FSF will ensure that the calm atmosphere necessary for excellent preparation is maintained."Thiaw, 45, became Senegal's head coach in December 2024. This will be the country's fourth World Cup appearance.Senegal is in Group I of the World Cup. It will face France on June 16 and Norway on June 22 at East Rutherford, N.J., and Iraq in Toronto on June 26 in group play.Senegal will play two friendlies prior to the World Cup -- Sunday against the United States at Charlotte, N.C., and June 9 versus Saudi Arabia at San Antonio.Soccer Player Chooses World Cup Over His Wedding DayAuckland FC goalkeeper Michael Woud has had to put his wedding plans on hold after being selected in New Zealand's squad for the World Cup, but he says taking part in soccer's biggest tournament is not a bad reason to cancel.Woud got engaged a year ago when he had little inkling he would be in coach Darren Bazeley's World Cup plans and had intended to wed fiancée Zana Renton around the time of the June 11 to July 19 finals in North America.Bazeley confirmed six-cap Woud as his third goalkeeper in the 26-man squad behind Max Crocombe and Alex Paulsen this month. And while Woud might not get to play a minute at the World Cup, he said Renton had signed off on it."My fiancée was really supportive about it. It's not a bad thing to cancel your wedding for – it only happens every four years," the 27-year-old keeper told New Zealand media."We'll just do it next year."Woud takes his place in New Zealand's squad after a mid-season wobble saw him dropped as starting goalkeeper for Auckland.He was reinstated almost immediately when the man who replaced him, Oliver Sail, suffered a knee injury in January and was ruled out of the rest of the A-League season as well as World Cup contention.Woud grabbed his second chance with both hands and ended up playing a key role in Auckland winning their first A-League championship.After making the only save in a penalty shootout in a playoff win over Melbourne City, Woud kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 Grand Final victory over Sydney FC last weekend to help Auckland become the first New Zealand team to win the Australian top flight.Woud is comfortable with his task at the World Cup where he will more than likely be the goalkeeping equivalent of a bridesmaid."I think my role is quite clear," he said."Being the number three goalkeeper and being a support for the other goalkeepers and if I was called upon, to do my best."New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team among 48 nations at the World Cup, play Iran, Egypt and Belgium in the group stage.Donald Trump Is Following Notorious Dictator's Playbook With World Cup, Expert WarnsPresident Donald Trump has made a serious effort to use sports to his political advantage.Just this year, he’s invited Lionel Messi and his team to the White House for a photo opportunity, attended UFC matches, began constructing a UFC arena on the South Lawn and shared plans to attend an NBA Finals game, all while his unpopular Iran war marches on.Now, with the FIFA World Cup less than a month away, one expert has revealed to HuffPost exactly how Trump is using the same “tried and true methods” that one notorious dictator used when his country hosted an early version of the tournament.“If you look at the way [Benito] Mussolini, for example, cozied up to the athletes at the World Cup in 1934, he just wanted to be around these kinds of macho guys,” said Jules Boykoff, a professor at Pacific University and an expert in international sports politics.“Well, you can see [that in] the same kind of thing that Trump does all the time.”Read more:World Cup Player’s Instagram Explodes Thanks To 1 Viral ClaimNew Zealand defender Tim Payne's social media profile has exploded over the last few days after an Argentine influencer decided he was the least known player at the World Cup.Valen Scarsini, known as "elscarso" on Instagram and TikTok, made a video encouraging his audience to give the Wellington Phoenix and All Whites defender's account likes, comments and follows.In the space of a couple of days, Payne's Instagram account went from 4,715 followers to 660,000 - outstripping New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, All Blacks rugby star Ardie Savea, and Scarsini."Was wondering why my socials were blowing up and found your post, man," Payne said in the message to Scarsini. "Appreciate the love! Gracias, hermano."Payne hit the headlines in 2020 during the COVID pandemic when he broke quarantine in Australia and was charged with a drink-driving offence for taking a golf cart on a joyride with a teammate. He was later fined A$700 ($498) by a Sydney court, according to media reports.The versatile 32-year-old has kept a relatively low profile since then and will be looking to add to his 50 New Zealand caps at the World Cup after being included in Darren Bazeley's squad for the tournament.New Zealand, the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup, open their campaign against Iran in Los Angeles on June 15 and also face Egypt and Belgium in Group G.DR Congo Says It's Cleared To Play In World Cup Amid Ebola ConcernsThe Democratic Republic of Congo said its national football federation and FIFA had confirmed its World Cup delegation is compliant with U.S. protocols related to the Ebola outbreak, clearing the way for the team to compete at the tournament.A team official had said on Saturday that preparations would continue as planned despite a U.S. requirement for individuals to complete a 21-day isolation period before entering the country.The United States is co-hosting the June 11 to July 19 World Cup with Canada and Mexico.The World Health Organization last week warned of a "very high" risk of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola spreading nationally in the DRC, with more than 1,000 suspected cases and 246 suspected deaths reported until now.Congolese authorities said their federation (FECOFA) had held talks with FIFA this week and that the delegation was now fully compliant with health and safety protocols, including cancelling a training camp in Kinshasa and relocating preparations abroad."I applaud FECOFA and FIFA for moving swiftly and decisively to make this responsible, reasonable determination," DRC Ambassador to the United States Yvette Kapinga Ngandu said in a statement on Wednesday. "The Leopards are ready, they are safe, and I have no doubt that the United States will embrace this team."Reuters has contacted FIFA for comment.Most members of the squad are based in Europe, reducing the risk of direct exposure, while staff members who departed Kinshasa earlier this month will complete at least 21 days in Europe before travelling to the U.S. in line with U.S. health guidelines."The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has done everything in its power to ensure they arrive in the United States prepared, protected, and ready to compete," Sports Minister Didier Budimbu said.Officials also raised concerns about fans who secured World Cup tickets but have been unable to obtain U.S. visas due to administrative restrictions, adding that discussions were under way with FIFA over possible refunds.The Congolese team, appearing at their first World Cup in 52 years, are set to be based in Houston. They open their Group K campaign against Portugal on June 17, before facing Colombia in Guadalajara on June 23 and Uzbekistan in Atlanta on June 27.Saudi Player’s Wild Passport Ordeal Ahead Of World Cup Finally EndsSaudi Arabia defender Saud Abdulhamid will join the national team’s training camp in the United States on Thursday after resolving a passport issue that delayed his departure.The 26-year-old had been due to report to a preparatory camp in Riyadh on Monday before travelling with the squad, but his passport was stolen during a break-in in Amsterdam, where he had been attending his wedding ceremony with family.Local media said Abdulhamid, who is on loan at Ligue 1 side Lens from Roma, will now link up with coach Georgios Donis’s 30-man preliminary squad in New York.Abdulhamid thanked Saudi authorities for assisting him in securing a replacement passport, writing on social media platform X: “Let’s go to the World Cup.”Saudi Arabia have begun a series of training camps in New York and Texas, where they will fine-tune their preparations with friendlies against Ecuador, Puerto Rico and Senegal.They open their Group H campaign against Uruguay in Miami on June 15, before facing Spain in Atlanta on June 21 and Cape Verde in Houston on June 26.Neymar Injury Scare For Brazil World Cup SquadBrazil's World Cup preparations were jolted on Wednesday as Neymar missed the national team's first training session to undergo medical tests, leaving his place in the squad hanging in the balance.The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirmed the 34-year-old forward, who is recovering from an injury in his right calf, did not take part in the closed session at their facilities in Granja Comary and was referred to a private clinic in Teresopolis for imaging tests.In a statement, the CBF said "no further information will be released until the Brazilian national team's medical staff have completed their assessments", but Neymar's absence quickly became the dominant storyline on the second day of Brazil's training camp for the 2026 World Cup.Brazil will hold three further sessions at Granja Comary before Sunday's friendly against Panama at the Maracana.Manager Carlo Ancelotti is already without three players for that fixture. Defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos, along with forward Gabriel Martinelli, are involved in Saturday's Champions League final between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.Neymar's recall last week generated widespread excitement because he had not featured in Ancelotti's plans during the Italian's year in charge.Brazil's all-time leading scorer with 79 goals in 128 appearances, Neymar has not played for his country since 2023. His return to the fold came amid scrutiny over his fitness and form following years of injury trouble and an underwhelming spell back at Santos.The timing could hardly be more delicate. After facing Panama, Brazil meet Egypt in Cleveland in their final friendly before opening their World Cup campaign against African champions Morocco on June 13 in New Jersey. Brazil and Morocco have been drawn in Group C alongside Haiti and Scotland.In an interview with Reuters in early May, Ancelotti made clear that reputation alone would not secure Neymar's place.He said that Neymar would receive no special treatment and that his place in the squad would be strictly based on fitness and form, not sentiment.For now, Brazil wait on the medical verdict — and on whether their most recognisable name will be fit to take centre stage next month.See All Updates