Politics Takes Center Stage as World Cup 2026 Unfolds in North America

World Cup 2026 in North America arrives under a heavy political shadow as Donald Trump’s influence shapes the tournament—from immigration crackdowns and visa disputes to the bar of a Somali referee and debates over Iran’s participation—while FIFA faces criticism for its handling of geopolitics. At the same time, extreme heat and humidity, intensified by climate change, threaten players and fans, with studies suggesting a meaningful portion of matches could occur under dangerous wet-bulb temperatures, underscoring a more politicized and risky edition than past hosts.