World Cup 2026, Hit, Miss, Flop? Will Trump ruin it?

Thought I'd start a new thread on this because it's about a lot more than football this time.

This is supposed to be the biggest one ever, and as it coincides with America's 250th birthday it should be incredible.

Yet there are two hurdles, the first, (and smallest) is the prennial issue of a country that doesn't really care about football. They don't even call it football. Americans appear more interested in the NBA playoffs between Spurs, and Knicks.

That isn't insurmountable, and following the US 4-1 trouncing of Panama support will probably build up as the team progresses.

The other hurdle is Trump. America isn't very welcoming right now, especially to fans from Africa. A FIFA accredited Somali referee has been denied entry, and hotels which should be fully booked are empty. New visa requirements and social media checks are keeping people away.

Then there's Iran. The team are not allowed any back room staff and have to fly in and out of the US from their base in Mexico for each match. They have complained to FIFA about the atrocious treatment.

Trump was booed at the NBA game in NY, the international crowd at the World Cup may be even more hostile.

On a personal level, living in Wales, I'm quite happy not seeing the bloody cross of St George everywhere. It's a lot more civilised.

England are one of the last teams to play so I don't feel anything right now, but I'll probably feel different come Wednesday, and I'm not staying up to 2am to see Scotland playing.

So, any thoughts. Will this World Cup be a resounding success and get Americans really engaged, or will a mixture of American apathy and global anti Trump sentiment cast too long a shadow?