Keen On America Justice is Round: Mussolini Couldn't Woo the World Cup, Neither Will Trump
Dec 22, 2025
Simon Kuper, an experienced football writer and World Cup historian, delves into the politics of the 2026 World Cup. He argues that efforts by figures like Trump to manipulate the tournament will fail, echoing Mussolini's past attempts. Kuper emphasizes the World Cup's role as a communal celebration over a political stage. He also discusses the importance of smaller nations, critiques high ticket prices, and explores the clash between local pride and celebrity culture. His insights on global football dynamics are as captivating as they are thought-provoking.
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Cinderella Runs Matter As Much As Titles
- Smaller countries can achieve World Cup glory through beautiful play or Cinderella runs without winning it all.
- Kuper highlights Uruguay 1950, Cameroon 1990 and Morocco 2022 as examples of varied success.
1994: Immigrant Pockets Drove US Fandom
- At the 1994 World Cup in Boston, downtown ignored the tournament until Brazil's win flooded the streets with celebrators.
- Kuper remembers ethnic enclaves and immigrant communities forming the tournament's American fanbase then.
World Cup Trumps Club For Communal Viewing
- Club football's top level surpasses international play, but World Cups still attract far larger, communal audiences.
- Kuper notes many people only watch their national team at World Cups to share a collective experience.