CHICAGO — Donald Trump’s bid for the presidency could prevent the United States from hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati said on Tuesday.
The USA is expected to campaign to host the tournament for the second time and is seen as a strong contender, but Gulati indicated Trump’s international reputation could affect both his federation’s decision to run – and their chances of success if they do.
“We are going to bid for a World Cup if we think we can be successful,” Gulati told USA TODAY Sports at a media briefing. “Being successful in a World Cup bid or an Olympic bid for Los Angeles (in 2024) is affected by the world’s view of our leaders – not just leaders of the soccer federation.”
Gulati spearheaded bids to stage the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, but was beaten out by controversial campaigns from Russia and Qatar that have come under scrutiny amid allegations of corruption.
The country has hosted once before, in 1994, a tournament that set attendance and profitability records. However, soccer politics is a tricky, convoluted and intricate business, and is contingent on factors that stretch far beyond the obvious things such as interest in the sport, suitable venues, travel infrastructure and so on.
“I think the world’s perception of the U.S. is affected by who is in the White House,” Gulati added. “So it has some bearing.
“I think having somebody in the White House that gives the country an outward-looking view and a personality that is more easily accepted around the world is positive for (America) and then more specifically for hosting events here – and for our general image from a sports perspective.”
Canada and Mexico are both considered legitimate challengers with the World Cup not having been held in the CONCACAF confederation since 1994. A two-nation event, split between the USA and Mexico, has also been mooted. Every other confederation within the FIFA family, with the exception of Oceania which does not have any suitable host nations, has held the event since then.
Trump’s run for the White House was initially given little chance of success but has picked up speed dramatically, as it has seen him secure the Republican nomination and move into a head-to-head with Hilary Clinton for the presidency.
The business mogul’s comments about immigration and relationship with Mexico have not been well received internationally.
“I think a co-hosted World Cup with Mexico here would be a little tricky if Secretary Clinton was not in the White House,” Gulati said.
The USA is expected to campaign to host the tournament for the second time and is seen as a strong contender, but Gulati indicated Trump’s international reputation could affect both his federation’s decision to run – and their chances of success if they do.
“We are going to bid for a World Cup if we think we can be successful,” Gulati told USA TODAY Sports at a media briefing. “Being successful in a World Cup bid or an Olympic bid for Los Angeles (in 2024) is affected by the world’s view of our leaders – not just leaders of the soccer federation.”
Gulati spearheaded bids to stage the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, but was beaten out by controversial campaigns from Russia and Qatar that have come under scrutiny amid allegations of corruption.
The country has hosted once before, in 1994, a tournament that set attendance and profitability records. However, soccer politics is a tricky, convoluted and intricate business, and is contingent on factors that stretch far beyond the obvious things such as interest in the sport, suitable venues, travel infrastructure and so on.
“I think the world’s perception of the U.S. is affected by who is in the White House,” Gulati added. “So it has some bearing.
“I think having somebody in the White House that gives the country an outward-looking view and a personality that is more easily accepted around the world is positive for (America) and then more specifically for hosting events here – and for our general image from a sports perspective.”
Canada and Mexico are both considered legitimate challengers with the World Cup not having been held in the CONCACAF confederation since 1994. A two-nation event, split between the USA and Mexico, has also been mooted. Every other confederation within the FIFA family, with the exception of Oceania which does not have any suitable host nations, has held the event since then.
Trump’s run for the White House was initially given little chance of success but has picked up speed dramatically, as it has seen him secure the Republican nomination and move into a head-to-head with Hilary Clinton for the presidency.
The business mogul’s comments about immigration and relationship with Mexico have not been well received internationally.
“I think a co-hosted World Cup with Mexico here would be a little tricky if Secretary Clinton was not in the White House,” Gulati said.
