The 2026 World Cup has been plagued by political controversies that overshadow the sporting events.Initial issues included visa denials for officials from certain countries and a Somali referee barred from entering the US due to alleged terrorist links.Iran's team faced logistical challenges due to restricted US access, forcing them to travel between Mexico and the US for matches.

The latest scandal involves US President Donald Trump's direct intervention in a match decision, calling FIFA President Gianni Infantino after a controversial red card against US striker Folarin Balogun.

Trump's call to Infantino, which led to the card's reversal, has sparked outrage from football bodies like UEFA, highlighting the dangerous precedent of political interference in sports.Infantino's credibility is now under scrutiny due to his close ties with Trump, potentially affecting his re-election bid.The article emphasizes how such political meddling undermines the integrity of football, which should remain separate from geopolitical agendas.