The World Cup Will Relegate Canada to the Sidelines

Canada will take a back seat to Trump's aggressive America-first agenda

- By Tim Elcombe

During the FIFA Congress in Moscow in June of 2018, Canada, Mexico and the United States defeated Morocco for the right to co-host the 2026 World Cup. Their bid was based on the strength of a united North America, and FIFA member countries voted overwhelmingly in favour of the collective offering. Canadians hoped it would cement our rise as a legitimate soccer nation and bring the country together with the world watching. Toronto and Vancouver were selected to host Canada's matches, along with three Mexican and 11 American cities.

On a grander scale, the united North American bid was expected to calm the political waters swirling around FIFA after four controversial host selections—South Africa, Brazil, Russia and Qatar—generated significant criticism. Returning the World Cup to an economically and politically stable host like North America seemed like an opportunity for FIFA to reset its relationship with the Global North.

Then Donald Trump was re-elected. Now, geopolitical shifts have challenged the united front central to North America's successful bid. Trump's aggressive America-first agenda generates significant challenges related to the World Cup and throws into question Canada's place as a meaningful host of the tournament.