The World Cup concluded in a manner that seemed orchestrated by Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump. On a day marked by excess, the trophy was dramatically revealed from a Louis Vuitton trunk. Trump and Infantino ascended to the podium, presenting the trophy to a jubilant Rodri, although Trump awkwardly lingered for a team photo. They departed the scene, leaving behind glimmering gold on a worn pitch, with the echoes of an unprecedented football event resonating well beyond this concrete enclave in New Jersey.
Understanding this dizzying and often surreal tournament, which felt both inviting and unsettling, is no simple task. It wrapped up under a vibrant American sky, where football seemed secondary for much of the day, despite the game not aiding its own cause. Those seeking a moral from Spain’s victory could find solace in the collective triumph that prevailed in a World Cup designed to celebrate individualism.
Throughout the event, Infantino and Trump observed the spectacle from behind reinforced glass. What kind of message does this send about the state of football? The controversies that have unfolded over the past month highlight a growing detachment among football’s leaders, with Trump’s significant influence making him a notable player in this arena. On the field, Argentina and Spain endured a match marred by niggles and frustration, raising questions about the significance of such a lackluster finale.
Fans who forked out $1 million (£740,000) for pitchside seats, complete with sun hats, likely discovered that football does not always deliver the immediate thrill they anticipated. This occasion was less about watching the game and more about being part of the spectacle. A document circulated by Fifa listed 235 celebrities and VVIPs in attendance, including Tom Cruise, who attempted to address the crowd during the pre-match show but was drowned out by the fervent Argentine supporters, marking one of the few moments that felt authentically football-like.
This tournament has fundamentally altered the essence of football. Infantino’s camp might believe that all publicity is good publicity, capable of amplifying the sport’s flashy modern appeal. Fifa has certainly made its mark on the American public, many of whom seemed to think the tournament was called some variation of ‘the Fifa’ throughout the summer.
The incident involving Folarin Balogun has severely undermined trust in Fifa’s governance and its claims of political neutrality. It has tested the loyalty of football insiders, who may have previously been unwavering in their support, although it seems unlikely to prevent Infantino’s inevitable re-election in March. More troubling is the lesson this teaches newcomers to the sport: that outcomes can be manipulated if the right connections are in place. Trump has openly expressed his desire for the U.S. to host the tournament as a solo entity in the future, indicating that his collaboration with Infantino is unlikely to revert to a casual friendship. By 2038, the U.S. may be hosting an event that, ethically speaking, resembles the Enhanced Games.
For now, the game persists despite the challenges, even if much of the final was a tedious affair until Ferran Torres secured Spain’s victory as the afternoon shifted into evening. Cape Verde’s story, particularly that of their goalkeeper Vozinha, will be remembered for years. Star players like Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham lived up to their billing. Belgium dismantled a once-promising U.S. team in the Round of 16, ensuring Balogun’s earlier troubles were not consequential.
Despite the controversies and disappointments, this World Cup showcased the potential for community and camaraderie. Cities like Kansas City and Houston welcomed fans, teams, and visitors with open arms. The hospitality and warmth were genuine, often disarming. While it was easy to perceive the entire U.S. negatively due to its administration, extensive travel across the country revealed the inherent goodness, kindness, and curiosity of its people.
The vastness of the U.S., along with its engaged immigrant communities and distant locales, meant that evidence of the tournament was both ubiquitous and elusive. Canada experienced similar sentiments to varying degrees, while Mexico injected unfiltered passion into the football atmosphere. The Azteca Stadium stood out as the summer’s premier venue, deserving of hosting matches beyond the Round of 16—a concern for its future prospects.
Infantino and Fifa are likely emboldened by the tournament’s $15 billion revenue, which far surpassed expectations. There was little doubt they would emerge with a significant financial victory. Infantino’s insatiable desire for expansion makes it unlikely that the scale will diminish, with discussions already broaching the concept of a 64-team tournament. By the time this is realized, international football, aside from Europe, may have found a sustainable path forward, although Argentina and Morocco stood as the only representatives from other continents past the Round of 16.
And so, we bid farewell to a World Cup that has consumed resources, attention, and airtime like never before. As Infantino and Trump exited, a tearful Messi stood before his supporters, providing a deeply human moment that had been largely absent throughout the event. This chapter closes for football’s greatest player and the fans who revere him. The month has seen the sport transition into a new, unprecedented realm.
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