Spain's victory in the World Cup final marked the end of a tournament defined by excess, controversy, and the cult of the individual, with Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino sharing the podium to present the trophy. The event, held in New Jersey, was characterized by a fever-dream atmosphere where football often felt like a sideshow. The trophy, previously displayed in a Louis Vuitton trunk, was handed to Spain's Rodri as Trump lingered for a team photo, creating an awkward moment before the pair departed amidst golden glitter.
Tournament of Excess and Damage
The World Cup, nurtured to indulge individual personalities, concluded with Spain's collective idea prevailing. However, the month-long event was overshadowed by controversies, including the Folarin Balogun affair, which damaged trust in FIFA's mechanisms and its claims of political neutrality. Trump and Infantino, seated together behind reinforced glass, embodied the remoteness and bulletproof nature of football's leadership. The final itself, between Argentina and Spain, was one of the worst in history, with players niggling and snarling, yet the spectacle remained the priority.
Celebrity and Commercialism
Pitchside seats sold for $1 million (£740,000) through hospitality providers, emphasizing the event's focus on being seen over seeing. A FIFA document listed 235 celebrities and VVIPs in attendance, including Tom Cruise, whose pre-match speech was drowned out by Argentina's fans—one of the few moments of genuine football atmosphere. The tournament's commercial success was undeniable, with FIFA projecting $15 billion in revenue, significantly exceeding expectations.
Impact on Host Nations
Despite the controversies, the World Cup showcased genuine hospitality in US cities like Kansas City and Houston, which welcomed fans and teams. Mexico's Estadio Azteca provided the summer's best venue, but the fear is it may not host again. The tournament's scale and revenue have emboldened Infantino, with discussions of expanding to 64 teams already legitimized. However, only Argentina and Morocco represented non-European continents beyond the last 16, highlighting the need for broader international football development.
A New Era for Football
As Infantino and Trump departed, a tearful Lionel Messi stood before Argentina's supporters, offering an intensely human moment that had been lacking. The tournament marked the end of an era for football's greatest player and signaled a new dimension for the sport, one where spectacle and commercialism increasingly dominate. The cooperation between Trump and Infantino is unlikely to wane, with the US potentially hosting solo by 2038, raising ethical concerns about the future of the game.
