Politics
Protests, political row, and record crowds mark 2026 World Cup
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Protests, political row, and record crowds mark 2026 World Cup
The tournament has drawn record US attendance and viewership while facing protests against FIFA, a political intervention on a red-card ban, and ticket price controversies.
- Thousands protested in Switzerland against FIFA president Gianni Infantino, demanding his resignation over corruption and the commercialization of football.
- FIFA suspended a red-card ban for USA striker Folarin Balogun after US President Donald Trump urged Infantino to review the case, drawing condemnation from UEFA.
- FIFA had nearly 1,200 category two tickets for the final priced at $7,380 each and faces subpoenas from US states over ticket pricing and seat location accuracy.
- The tournament averaged 64,511 fans per match with 99.7% stadium occupancy, and the USMNT's round-of-16 loss drew 33 million average viewers on Fox.
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