The extraordinary financial returns have been driven by an explosion in American demand for premium experiences. Ticketing and hospitality sales in the US alone have surpassed $5 billion, meaning matchday income now exceeds the value of the competition’s television rights for the first time in World Cup history.

Political Timeline and Rotation Rules

Donald Trump has publicly championed an early return for the tournament, telling Fox News that the US should host again while he remains in office. Constitutional term limits mean the president is due to depart the White House in January 2029, creating a potential deadline for any bid anchored by his administration.

No country has staged the World Cup twice within 12 years, but FIFA’s confederation rotation policy permits a North American bid for 2038. The slot becomes available after the 2030 tournament is shared across six nations on three continents and Saudi Arabia hosts in 2034.

Broadcast Rights and Regional Tensions

The push for a swift American return is sharpened by FIFA’s determination to recoup lost income from future television deals. Fox Sports was awarded English-language rights for the 2026 tournament without a competitive bidding process, paying $485 million—the same fee as for Qatar 2022—despite the expanded 48-team format adding 40 extra matches.

That figure contrasts sharply with domestic American sports contracts, with the NFL commanding $11 billion annually and the NBA approximately $7 billion. ESPN, NBC and Netflix are expected to contest future rights cycles, with the streaming platform already securing American rights to the 2027 and 2031 Women’s World Cups.

However, regional confederation Concacaf is understood to harbour reservations about another US bid so soon after 2026. The body wants to distribute hosting opportunities among member nations, and has already added Costa Rica, Jamaica and Mexico to the American bid for the 2031 Women’s World Cup. A similar joint approach may emerge for 2038, though Trump has indicated a preference for the US to host alone.

FIFA has not yet announced a timeline for opening the 2038 bidding process, though recent history suggests the governing body could move rapidly to secure its preferred outcome.

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City officials reportedly described the operation as routine maintenance, noting the park was not a designated encampment. However, human rights observers and local care workers have criticised the lack of process, with one official acknowledging that standard rules governing encampment removals were not applied because Freedom Park lacked official status.

Downtown Rising Campaign

Atlanta launched “Downtown Rising”, a World Cup-focused initiative targeting homeless camps in the city centre. Mayor Andre Dickens stated last year that authorities wish to ensure “unsheltered individuals don’t come anywhere near downtown”, extending beyond the tournament period.

The campaign claims to have housed 500 people, though no official rehousing centre operates specifically for the World Cup. Vice-President JD Vance endorsed similar sentiments last August, suggesting visitors should not need to avoid “a crazy person yelling at your family” in central areas.

Uncertain Destinations

Support workers have observed fewer homeless individuals in central districts but cannot verify their relocation sites. One care provider asked: “Where did they go?” She noted that many previously lived within specific vicinities by choice and may now be displaced far from support networks.

One man, Sirius, described being driven to a peripheral warehouse district late at night. The facility resembled “a Fema camp”, he said, prompting him to walk back to central Atlanta. He believes the relocation aimed to “make it look good for tourists”.

Safety Concerns

The clearances follow a fatal incident in January 2025, when Cornelius Taylor died after a bulldozer crushed his tent during a street sweep in Sweet Auburn. The tragedy prompted promises of new safety protocols, though critics question their effectiveness.

Approximately 3,000 unhoused people live in Atlanta, with some now reporting relocation to distant warehouses or religious-run centres lacking adequate support infrastructure.

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The White House confirmed on Thursday that Trump will be present at the culmination of the tournament, which concludes at the New York New Jersey Stadium. FIFA president Gianni Infantino told Swiss media this week that the presentation ceremony would follow established tradition, with the host nation’s leader joining him to award football’s most prestigious prize.

Previous Trophy Duties

This will not be the first time Trump has performed trophy-handling duties at a major football final in the state. Last summer, he presented the Club World Cup trophy to Chelsea at the same venue in East Rutherford, an appearance that drew audible disapproval from sections of the crowd.

On that occasion, Trump remained on stage alongside Chelsea captain Reece James, goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and midfielder Cole Palmer during the celebrations. Palmer later admitted he was “a bit confused” by the president’s presence.

Political Intervention

The final marks Trump’s first attendance at a match during this World Cup, though he has maintained a visible presence around the tournament through his relationship with Infantino. The pair have developed a close working rapport, which led to Trump personally intervening in a disciplinary matter earlier in the competition.

Trump contacted Infantino to request a review of the red-card suspension handed to United States striker Folarin Balogun ahead of the host nation’s last-16 fixture against Belgium. FIFA subsequently overturned the ban, allowing Balogun to feature, though the United States nevertheless exited the tournament following defeat in that match.

Pre-Final Engagements

Ahead of the weekend showpiece, Trump will host a FIFA reception at Trump Tower in New York City on Friday. Soccer’s global governing body established an office in the building last year.

The fixture will feature a generational clash between Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, who first met when the Barcelona youngster was a baby featured in a charity photoshoot with the veteran forward in 2007.

While Trump prepares for his stadium appearance, Argentina’s president Javier Milei will watch from his official residence due to superstition. Milei admitted he has worn the same oil company-branded jacket throughout the tournament after removing it during a match where Argentina conceded.

White House officials declined to specify whether Trump would favour Spain or Argentina in Sunday’s contest.

FIFA has sold 6.5 million tickets for the tournament, which the US is hosting across multiple cities. The attendance figures reflect not only strong support from visiting nations but also a dramatic surge in domestic interest.

Television audiences eclipse traditional American sports

American viewership has shattered previous benchmarks. The United States men’s national team (USMNT) round-of-16 defeat against Belgium drew an average of 33 million viewers on Fox, peaking at 41 million during the final 15 minutes. According to Nielsen ratings, this exceeded the audience for the 2025 World Series and Game Five of last month’s NBA finals.

The match against Belgium broke a record set days earlier when over 26 million viewers watched the USMNT defeat Bosnia. That figure had itself surpassed the audience for the 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

Interest extends beyond American fixtures. The group stage encounter between England and Mexico attracted 21.7 million viewers on Fox and an additional 23.2 million on Spanish-language network Telemundo. Across the first 72 matches, Fox averaged five million viewers while Telemundo averaged 4.6 million.

Soccer cements status in American sporting culture

The explosion in popularity builds upon decades of growth. One in ten Americans now identifies football as their favourite sport, edging out baseball to become the country’s third-most popular game behind American football and basketball.

This transformation follows strategic investments dating back to 1994, when profits from the previous American-hosted World Cup helped launch Major League Soccer. The 1999 Women’s World Cup, which the US won on home soil, further accelerated participation, leading to the creation of the National Women’s Soccer League in 2012.

Broadcast deals for the Premier League and La Liga have cultivated dedicated supporter bases willing to watch matches in the early hours. For the 2026 tournament, primetime scheduling has eliminated timezone barriers, allowing fans to watch live without disrupting work routines.

Research from Ipsos Sports indicates that 40% of American adults have actively followed the tournament on social media, while one-quarter have watched matches in bars or restaurants and one-fifth have attended public viewing parties.

White House defends intervention

Balogun was sent off by Brazilian referee Raphael Claus during the group-stage victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. The decision prompted Trump to contact football’s governing body, with the president later stating that Claus was “a little bit suspect, if you check his past”.

Speaking at the Foreign Press Center in Washington DC, Giuliani claimed the circumstances surrounding the dismissal were “very, very highly suspicious”. He highlighted Claus’s connection to a 2024 Brazilian senate investigation into match-fixing, which examined referee assignments and irregular red cards. When challenged by a reporter that Claus gave testimony rather than being a target, Giuliani acknowledged the official was not accused of crimes but maintained his involvement in the probe raised legitimate concerns.

Giuliani also criticised the VAR protocol, arguing officials incorrectly used slow-motion footage to judge a contact foul—a breach of proper procedure. “Look, the US government, whether it’s at the ballot box or whether it’s on the playing field, we want fair play,” he said. He welcomed the appeal filed by US Soccer, stating “we think the correct result was achieved”, though the United States subsequently exited the competition.

FIFA and Brazil defend referee

FIFA and the Brazilian Football Confederation have strongly defended the referee’s integrity. The world governing body stated that Claus “has consistently demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity” throughout his career. The Brazilian federation added: “There is nothing in his record that calls his integrity into question or supports any suspicion of wrongdoing.”

US exit tournament

The controversy failed to galvanise the host nation. The United States exited the tournament following a 4-1 defeat to Belgium, a match that saw the victors parody Trump’s YMCA dance in their dressing room.

Giuliani also rejected criticism of logistical arrangements for Iran, who based themselves in Tijuana, Mexico, citing the 27-minute flight time to Los Angeles. He highlighted record attendance figures, with more than 6.5 million fans attending matches—nearly double the previous record set in 1994.

The controversy emerged after reports suggested the US president had attempted to intervene in the disciplinary process. Trump allegedly claimed credit for the reversal on social media, stating he had pressured officials to reverse the ban. However, FIFA maintains no such external influence occurred and has dismissed the allegations as unfounded.

Belgium End USA Campaign

The distraction proved irrelevant to the outcome on the pitch, as the USA exited the tournament following a comprehensive loss to Belgium in the last 16. The European side, featuring Leandro Trossard and Romelu Lukaku, dominated proceedings and exposed the gulf in class between the teams. Trossard’s technical quality highlighted the difference in individual talent, while even the ageing Lukaku demonstrated sufficient intelligence to trouble the American defence throughout the match.

Questions Over FIFA Governance

The incident has intensified scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership. Critics argue the episode represents a significant failure of governance, with the organisation appearing vulnerable to inappropriate political pressure from powerful figures. The scandal has been described as a case study in the dangers of unchecked executive power within football’s administration, particularly regarding the president’s role as an alleged “enabler” of external interference.

For the USA team, the controversy has completely overshadowed their achievement in reaching the knockout stages of their home tournament. The episode has raised serious questions about the integrity of the tournament’s disciplinary processes and the appropriate boundaries between sport and political influence. Global observers have noted the affair as a concerning moment for sporting integrity, with the alleged admission of attempted interference threatening to undermine the legitimacy of the competition.

Belgium End American Dreams

Belgium secured the victory that proved fatal to American hopes, delivering a composed performance in Seattle to book their place in the next stage of the competition at the expense of the hosts. The European side’s triumph removes the USA from contention and alters the competitive landscape of the tournament. The defeat marks a significant moment for American soccer, which had invested heavily in preparations for the tournament.

Swiss and Egyptian Drama

Switzerland also advanced following a penalty shootout success. The Swiss outfit demonstrated remarkable composure from the spot to seal their progression, adding another dramatic chapter to their World Cup history. Penalty shootouts often define knockout football, and Switzerland’s triumph highlights their mental fortitude under pressure.

African representatives Egypt were involved in a captivating encounter with Argentina, with both sides producing a thriller that showcased the high quality of football on display. The match provided ample entertainment for supporters as the teams battled for supremacy. For African football supporters, Egypt’s performance against traditional powerhouses Argentina offers encouragement about the continent’s competitiveness on the world stage.

FIFA Criticised Over Balogun Case

Off the field, FIFA has faced significant criticism regarding its management of the Folarin Balogun red card case. Observers have questioned the governing body’s disciplinary procedures and the consistency of its decision-making processes during the tournament. Such scrutiny often intensifies during the latter stages of competitions, where single decisions can determine a team’s fate.

The elimination of the United States represents a major storyline of this World Cup, as host nations typically face heightened expectation to perform. With the USA now watching from the sidelines, Belgium will look to build upon their victory, while Switzerland’s shootout resilience and Egypt’s spirited display against Argentina suggest further drama awaits in the remaining fixtures.

Trump claimed explicit responsibility for the decision on his Truth Social platform, stating: “I was the one who got them to do it.” The admission, which FIFA disputes, emerged before the United States were soundly beaten by Belgium, rendering the controversial reprieve ultimately meaningless while sparking global criticism of the tournament’s governance.

Governance Under Fire

The incident has intensified scrutiny of Gianni Infantino’s leadership at FIFA. Critics argue the episode exposes critical vulnerabilities in the organisation’s governance structures and risks permanently undermining the tournament’s competitive integrity. The handling of Balogun’s suspension reversal has drawn particular condemnation, with football observers suggesting it represents a troubling departure from established disciplinary procedures.

Despite the furore surrounding the striker’s availability, the United States failed to advance past the last 16. Belgium eliminated the host nation from the competition, compounding the embarrassment surrounding the political interference allegations.

Damage to the Competition

The defeat leaves the United States’ World Cup campaign in ruins and raises serious questions about lasting damage to the tournament’s credibility. Analysts suggest that the perception of external political influence, regardless of FIFA’s formal denials, could significantly tarnish the competition’s reputation and the host nation’s standing within international football.

Infantino now faces renewed pressure regarding his stewardship of world football’s governing body. Commentators have interpreted the episode as evidence of unchecked executive power within FIFA, warning that such interventions threaten to transform the sport into what critics describe as “scripted entertainment” rather than genuine athletic competition.

The long-term implications for FIFA’s disciplinary processes remain unclear, though calls for greater transparency in decision-making are likely to intensify as the tournament progresses without the host nation.

The match kicked off at 2am local time in Belgium, yet thousands of fans gathered across the country to watch the national team progress. In Kalmthout, near the Dutch border, supporters told De Standaard that the team remained “our national pride, so we have to support them, even at night.” The fixture had become embroiled in controversy after reports that Donald Trump had lobbied FIFA to overturn the suspension of USA striker Falorin Balogun, prompting a defiant response from the Belgian camp.

Celebrations Send Political Message

Romelu Lukaku sealed the comprehensive win with the final goal, after which the Belgian players celebrated by imitating Donald Trump’s signature dancing style. The team’s social media channels amplified the message with a viral post stating “Overturn this” — a direct reference to the off-field disputes.

Philippe Albert, the former Belgium and Newcastle United defender, delivered a scathing assessment of the political interference. He described the victory as “a real slap in the face for Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino”, telling Le Soir that Belgium had shown “a big heart” despite attempts to destabilise the squad. Midfielder Axel Witsel confirmed the celebration routine was a collective decision by the players.

Fans in Brussels expressed their displeasure by burning an American flag, while supporters at screenings reportedly booed images of Infantino and the USA team. The tension stems from FIFA’s decision to lift Balogun’s suspension following Trump’s intervention, a move that dominated the pre-match narrative.

Royal Support for Spain Clash

Belgium now face Spain in the quarter-finals in Los Angeles on Friday. King Philippe of Belgium will travel to California to attend the match, underscoring the national significance of the team’s run. The monarch had previously offered public support to coach Rudi Garcia, posting on X: “May fair-play and the best team prevail tonight: come on Belgium!”

The victory maintains Belgium’s impressive World Cup form and sets up a tantalising clash with Spain. With the political storm now settled on the pitch, the Red Devils will hope to carry their momentum into the latter stages of the tournament.

The USMNT entered the match against Belgium with genuine momentum after securing progression from the group stage. The Stars and Stripes had earlier dispatched Paraguay with an emphatic 4-1 victory before recording a professional 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32. These performances shattered previous television viewing records and attracted millions of casual supporters, creating an atmosphere of genuine anticipation throughout the host nation.

However, the encounter with Belgium proved a step too far. Against a technically superior Belgian side, the hosts appeared disjointed and defensively vulnerable, conceding four goals in a display that lacked the tactical poise evident in earlier rounds. The result stood in stark contrast to the nation’s previous World Cup high-water mark, a memorable 3-2 victory over Portugal at the 2002 tournament in South Korea.

A Generation’s Disappointment

The 2026 tournament represented a unique generational opportunity to convert first-time observers into committed fans. With matches played across American cities, the competition had drawn unprecedented audiences, including families and young children experiencing international football for the first time.

Instead of the inspirational moments that characterised the 2002 campaign, many newcomers witnessed a performance that exposed the gulf between the USMNT and elite European opposition. The inability to compete toe-to-toe with Belgium contrasted sharply with the heroic displays seen from other nations during the tournament, including Mexico’s battling effort against England and Cape Verde’s spirited exit against Argentina.

What Next for US Soccer?

The defeat leaves American football at a difficult crossroads. While the team demonstrated clear capability against sides such as Paraguay and Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Belgium match revealed persistent technical and tactical limitations when facing top-tier competition.

Rather than serving as the herald for a new era, the 2026 World Cup risks being remembered as a missed opportunity to embed the sport in the national consciousness. The challenge for the federation now lies in retaining the interest of millions who tuned in for their first taste of international football, despite the campaign’s disappointing conclusion.