Corruption and Controversy Surround the 2026 World Cup
WHO:
Middle East Eye - President Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Sepp Blatter, Omar Artan, Amir Ghalenoei, Cristiano Ronaldo, Folarin Balogun, Hossam Hassan, Kylian Mbappe, Celeste Amarilla.
The New York Times - FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Crown Prince Haakon of Norway.
WHAT:
Middle East Eye - FIFA has identified that 11% of over 89,000 abusive posts during the tournament contained racial abuse.
Middle East Eye - FIFA's disciplinary committee reduced Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match ban for violent conduct to a one-game ban.
Middle East Eye - Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was lifted after Trump intervened, allowing him to play in the Round of 16 match against Belgium.
The New York Times - FIFA is set to issue sanctions to players and coaches who have brought the game into disrepute after the World Cup, depending on referees’ reports.
Middle East Eye - Trump pressured FIFA to lift Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, which was initially triggered by a red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and FIFA quietly lifted the ban after Trump's intervention.
Middle East Eye - FIFA reported that players received visas only 10 days before Iran’s first game, while many coaching staff, media personnel, and federation officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj, were denied entry altogether.
The New York Times - FIFA is set to wait until after the World Cup before issuing sanctions to players and coaches who have brought the game into disrepute, with potential actions depending on referees’ reports.
The New York Times - FIFA has identified more than 89,000 abusive posts during the tournament, with 11% containing racial abuse.
The New York Times - Infantino is running unopposed for a third term in 2027, which would extend his presidency until 2031.
Middle East Eye - Trump pressured FIFA to lift Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, which was initially triggered by a red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and FIFA quietly lifted the ban after Trump's intervention.
The New York Times - FIFA is set to wait until after the World Cup before issuing sanctions to players and coaches who have brought the game into disrepute, with potential actions depending on referees’ reports.
The New York Times - FIFA has identified more than 89,000 abusive posts during the tournament, with 11% containing racial abuse.
Middle East Eye - The U.S. and Israel planned to attack Iran on February 28.
Middle East Eye - The Iranian head coach Amir Ghalenoei stated that his team had become the “most oppressed” team during the tournament.
Middle East Eye - Trump pressured FIFA to lift Folarin Balogun's red card suspension, which was initially triggered by a red card in the Round of 32 match against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The New York Times - Infantino attended the opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026, and then flew 285 miles to Guadalajara for another match on the same day.
The New York Times - Infantino attended games in Seattle and Los Angeles on June 15, 2026.
The New Arab - Critics argue that the scrutiny faced by the U.S. during the World Cup regarding visa restrictions and deportations has received far less attention compared to Qatar's 2022 World Cup.
Middle East Eye - The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams and is expected to generate $9 billion in FIFA revenue.
Middle East Eye - Trump received the first FIFA Peace Prize during a ceremony on December 5, 2025.
Middle East Eye - Omar Artan was denied entry to the U.S. and deported after being detained for 11 hours.
Middle East Eye - A visa bond scheme demanded deposits of up to $15,000 from fans from several countries before being suspended.
Middle East Eye - Iran's head coach described his team as the "most oppressed" during the tournament.
Middle East Eye - Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match ban was reduced to one game by FIFA's disciplinary committee.
Middle East Eye - Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was lifted after Trump intervened.
Middle East Eye - FIFA reported over 89,000 abusive posts during the tournament, with 11% containing racial abuse.
The New York Times - Infantino attended two World Cup games per day during the group stage using a private jet provided by Qatar Airways.
The New York Times - Infantino is running unopposed for a third term in 2027, which would extend his presidency until 2031.
WHERE:
Middle East Eye - The 2026 World Cup is hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Middle East Eye - Omar Artan was detained at Miami International Airport.
Middle East Eye - Iran's training base was moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
The New York Times - Infantino attended games in Mexico City and Guadalajara, Mexico, and in Seattle and Los Angeles, U.S.
WHEN:
Middle East Eye - Trump received the FIFA Peace Prize on December 5, 2025.
Middle East Eye - The U.S. and Israel planned to attack Iran on February 28.
Middle East Eye - Iran's players received visas 10 days before their first game.
The New York Times - Infantino attended the opener between Mexico and South Africa on June 11, 2026.
WHY:
Middle East Eye - Critics argue that the incidents involving visa restrictions and deportations during the World Cup undermine football's image as a global unifying force and highlight a perceived double standard in how host nations are judged on human rights and migration issues.
The New Arab - Critics argue that the incidents involving visa restrictions and deportations during the World Cup undermine football's image as a global unifying force and highlight a perceived double standard in how host nations are judged on human rights and migration issues.
The New Arab - Critics argue that the incidents involving visa restrictions and deportations during the World Cup undermine football's image as a global unifying force and highlight a perceived double standard in how host nations are judged on human rights and migration issues.
Middle East Eye - The incidents involving visa restrictions and deportations are seen as undermining football's image as a global unifying force and highlight a perceived double standard in how host nations are judged on human rights and migration issues.
Middle East Eye - The cloud of corruption and influence-peddling is attributed to Trump's desire to bolster his image through the World Cup.
Middle East Eye - The U.S. government's actions against Iran and Somalia reflect Trump's hostile approach to these nations.
HOW:
The New York Times - FIFA has an agreement with Host Broadcast Service to ensure dignitary shots are included in broadcasts, which has led to Infantino being prominently featured during matches.
Middle East Eye - The U.S. denied entry to Omar Artan citing "vetting concerns" without providing evidence.
The New York Times - FIFA has an agreement with Host Broadcast Service to ensure dignitary shots are included in broadcasts.
FIFA has reported that 11% of over 89,000 abusive posts during the tournament included racial abuse, prompting the organization to prepare sanctions for players and coaches who have brought the game into disrepute. In a related development, Cristiano Ronaldo's three-match ban for violent conduct has been reduced to just one game, while Folarin Balogun's red card suspension was lifted after Trump intervened, allowing him to participate in the upcoming Round of 16 match against Belgium. Additionally, FIFA has partnered with Host Broadcast Service to ensure that dignitary shots are included in broadcasts, which has resulted in President Infantino being prominently featured during matches.