Welcome to America, the problematic host of the World Cup

Key Points:

• The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup returns to the U.S. for the first time since 1994, amidst deep national divisions over identity and belonging, contrasting the unity once embodied by the 1930 American team led by Tom Florie.
• The U.S. faces international criticism for its strict immigration policies and enforcement, highlighted by the denied entry of Somali referee Omar Artan, which has dampened international visitor numbers and complicated hosting duties.
• Historically, the U.S. has leveraged its multiculturalism to embrace soccer, with communities supporting all qualifying teams, as seen in the successful 1994 World Cup; however, current political tensions and inward-looking policies challenge this inclusive narrative.
• Los Angeles, particularly the Boyle Heights neighborhood, symbolizes both the resilience and complexity of American soccer culture, preparing to host key matches while reflecting on recent social and political strife, including past ICE raids and military deployments.
• Experts note that while hosting the World Cup offers a platform for international unity and diplomacy, the U.S. appears reluctant to use this opportunity to foster global interconnectedness, instead revealing internal political strangeness and division.