The Lovely Game, Ugly Realities: FIFA, Fan Safety, and the Moral Cost of the 2026 World Cup
October 10, 2025
you can feel the world tilting on its axis when politics and spectacle collide. The upcoming mixed martial arts event on the White House lawn – a bizarre commemoration of the Declaration of Independence and, frankly, an autocratic leaderS birthday – is a stark symptom of a nation in decline. But the rot runs deeper,extending into the world of international sports,and specifically,the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
the spectacle of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, derisively nicknamed “Johnny Boy,” groveling before authoritarian regimes is a particularly nauseating sight. His eagerness to appease those in power, especially in advance of the tournament hosted by the United states, Mexico, and Canada, reveals a disturbing moral vacuum. Infantino’s silence regarding the safety of international travelers and players - even after reports of ICE agents shooting a protesting pastor in the head with a “less lethal” weapon – speaks volumes. His willingness to embrace a nation actively accused of genocide (Israel), while concurrently banning Russia, isn’t principled consistency; it’s blatant hypocrisy, a dance performed to the tune of power.
[Image of Zohran Mamdani speaking at a press conference, with caption: new York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks during a press conference announcing his “Game Over Greed” campaign urging FIFA to drop dynamic pricing on September 10, 2025, in the Bronx. (Michael M. Santiago / Getty Images)]
But amidst this disheartening landscape,a voice of concious has emerged. New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is challenging the status quo, demanding accountability from FIFA and raising critical questions about the safety of fans and players. He’s rightly pointed out that Infantino’s indifference to the very real fears of those who might be targeted by ICE doesn’t reflect the values of New Yorkers, or the spirit of the World Cup itself.
Mamdani, a passionate soccer fan and lifelong Arsenal FC supporter, recently voiced his concerns on The Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast. He highlighted the palpable fear within communities about attending World Cup events, stating, “I have heard from so many already who are terrified of the prospect of being in public life during the World Cup.” He’s long been troubled by the potential for ICE to exploit a global event meant to unite the world.
Mamdani is correct to call out FIFA’s exploitative “dynamic pricing” –
