Trump and Infantino: Five reasons why the 2026 World Cup is a disappointment.

As March approaches, the anxiety and concern surrounding the 2026 World Cup become palpable. The reality that the tournament is less than three months away is daunting. And, honestly, we are apprehensive. What should be a celebration of football is being overshadowed by issues that make us question the integrity of the event.

What makes this World Cup particularly unsettling are the various problems that are accumulating, exposing a new dimension of discontent. Unlike previous editions, such as the one in Qatar, where the host’s shortcomings could be overlooked, the current situation does not offer that escape option. The frustration does not stem solely from a place of disillusionment; it is the passion for football that makes us want to love the World Cup, but the reality is that we are being forced to confront an event that is anything but grand.

First, we have to talk about Donald Trump. The figure that many would prefer to avoid, but who inevitably imposes himself. Trump will not be content to be a mere spectator; he will become the center of attention, seeking credit for the victory and possibly even trying to steal the trophy. His presence will be impossible to ignore, and the idea that he could turn this tournament into a spectacle of egocentrism is disturbing. While in past events there may have been the possibility of ignoring problematic leaders, this time there will be no room for that. The expectation is that he will do everything from interfering with the schedule to provoking diplomatic conflicts, bringing an aura of chaos that few can overlook.

Next, we have Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, who has become an unwitting accomplice in this disturbing narrative. His decision to leverage support from Trump, one of the most divisive leaders in the world, raises serious concerns about the boundaries between sport and politics. Supporting a controversial politician is not new in sports, but the way Infantino embraces this is alarming. His obsession with Trump only amplifies the precariousness of the situation and leaves a trail of questioning about FIFA’s true intentions.

But things do not stop there. The spectacle expands with the presence of celebrities and former athletes who become protagonists in a secondary show. The situation becomes even more complicated when figures from the sport, whom we once respected, seem to bow to the influence of Trump and Infantino. It is disheartening to see personalities like Arsène Wenger join this circus, defending a leadership that should be questioned. The loss of respect for these icons is a burden that many of us feel.

And we cannot ignore the feeling that we are about to be bombarded by an excess of football. The new tournament structure, which will now feature 48 teams, promises a record number of matches. While the idea of more football may seem appealing, the reality is that this excess could lead to fan fatigue. What should be an exciting event could turn into a exhausting marathon that leaves us drained even before we reach the knockout stage.

Last but not least are the controversial “hydration breaks” that have been introduced. While the idea of looking after players’ health in extreme conditions makes sense, the implementation of these breaks seems more like a commercial move than a genuine concern for athletes’ well-being. The transformation of the game from two halves into four quarters is not just a structural change; it is a betrayal of what football represents. And the fact that FIFA is trying to disguise this change under the pretext of caring for players is an affront to fans’ intelligence.

What should be a celebration of the beautiful game is on the verge of becoming a spectacle of controversies and excesses. The 2026 World Cup, instead of being a unifying event, seems destined to become an example of everything that can go wrong when sport is mixed with politics and commerce. The question that remains is: will we, as football lovers, be able to appreciate what should be a glorious moment, or are we doomed to watch a circus we do not want to see?