The Club World Cup is usually about football glory—elite clubs clashing on the global stage. But this time, it’s turning into something else entirely: a geopolitical spotlight that’s casting the United States—and Donald Trump—in an unflattering glow.
As FIFA expands the tournament to 32 teams and sets its sights on a 2025 debut in the US, excitement should be high. Instead, controversy is building. From travel visa issues to political undertones, the Club World Cup is putting the US and Donald Trump in a bad light, and it’s not just football fans who are noticing.
Visa Troubles and Global Backlash
One of the biggest issues? Visa delays and denials. Several nations have raised concerns that athletes, staff, and fans—particularly from countries with tense relationships with the US—might not get timely entry. This raises eyebrows internationally. For a tournament built on unity and global inclusion, the message being sent is exclusion.
This problem isn’t new. Under Trump’s administration, travel bans and strict immigration policies became hot-button issues. And although he’s no longer in office, his influence lingers in international perception. As he campaigns for a second term, critics point to how his policies set a tone that still resonates. In that sense, the Club World Cup is putting the US and Donald Trump in a bad light by reminding the world of the walls—literal and figurative—that went up during his presidency.
Image vs. Reality
The US wants to project itself as a leader in global sports. But the Club World Cup is exposing cracks. Reports of red tape, expensive logistics, and lack of fan-friendly infrastructure make many wonder whether the US is really ready—or willing—to host such an international event properly.
Donald Trump hasn’t commented directly on the Club World Cup, but his name comes up often in the media narrative. Whether it’s speculation about how a Trump victory might affect future international events or how his past comments about certain nations clash with FIFA’s global mission, it’s clear the spotlight isn’t just on the pitch.
Conclusion: A Missed Opportunity?
The Club World Cup should be a chance for the US to showcase its hospitality and organizational strength. Instead, it’s turning into a case study in how sports can collide with politics—and how reputations built over years can unravel in weeks. Whether this changes before the first kickoff remains to be seen. But right now, the Club World Cup is putting the US and Donald Trump in a bad light—and the world is watching.
