In a recent Hungarian Institute of International Affairs (HIIA) Perspective article titled Geopolitics and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bailey Schwab examines how the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being shaped by a turbulent geopolitical environment. Schwab argues that the tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is taking place amid a period of global instability marked by ongoing conflicts, economic disruption, and tensions among the host countries themselves. Rather than being merely a sporting event, the World Cup serves as a lens through which broader geopolitical and geoeconomic trends can be observed.
The article argues that the tournament reflects the consequences of what Schwab describes as the “fallout of the collapsing post-Cold War order.” According to the author, three major geopolitical pressures are shaping the World Cup. The first is diplomatic strain and border management issues among the host nations, particularly in the context of stricter immigration controls and political tensions. The second is the economic impact of global conflicts, including inflation, rising energy prices, supply-chain disruptions, and protectionist policies. The third is the possibility of geopolitical spillovers, where international rivalries and historical grievances are projected onto football matches through protests, political symbolism, and heightened security concerns.
A central theme of the article is that football offers a useful window into globalisation and international politics. Drawing on the work of Franklin Foer, Schwab argues that football has long reflected broader political and economic transformations while also providing a venue through which national identities, rivalries, and historical grievances are expressed. The World Cup, therefore, offers insights into how global political tensions intersect with popular culture and everyday life.
The article devotes particular attention to border and immigration issues. Schwab notes that immigration restrictions implemented by the Trump administration have become entangled with preparations for the tournament. Fans from some participating countries face visa difficulties, while a number of officials and supporters have reportedly encountered entry restrictions. According to the author, preparations for the World Cup have become linked to wider debates over national sovereignty, border control, and migration management.
Another major focus is the economics of the tournament. Schwab notes that the 2026 World Cup has been described as one of the most expensive tournaments for supporters in terms of travel, accommodation, and ticket prices. Although FIFA and other studies project substantial economic benefits for the United States, Canada, and Mexico through increased output, employment, and tourism, the article argues that these gains may not be evenly distributed. Rising costs, inflation, and expensive ticketing systems could limit participation by ordinary fans while concentrating benefits among large corporations operating in sectors such as travel, hospitality, and entertainment.
The article also examines the geopolitical dimensions of football itself. Schwab highlights how previous World Cups have reflected wider political conflicts, citing the 1986 Argentina-England match played in the aftermath of the Falklands War. Similar dynamics, he suggests, may emerge during the 2026 tournament. Particular attention is given to the prospect of Iran competing on American soil at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. Such cases demonstrate how international rivalries, historical memories, and national identities can shape the atmosphere surrounding major sporting events.
The article concludes that the 2026 FIFA World Cup illustrates the growing intersection between sports, geopolitics, and geoeconomics. Schwab argues that diplomatic tensions, border restrictions, economic pressures, and international conflicts are increasingly shaping how global sporting events are organised and experienced. The World Cup, in this sense, serves not only as a football tournament but also as a reflection of the wider international environment in which it is taking place.
