You can tell the world is spiraling into chaos when politicians turn to entertainment as a distraction. The upcoming mixed martial arts show on the White House lawn, which coincides grotesquely with an autocrat’s birthday, is a clear indication of a nation in decline. Meanwhile, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino plays the role of the sycophant, currying favor with authoritarian regimes as we approach the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino’s silence on the compromised safety of international travelers and players—especially in the face of brutal actions by ICE, such as the shooting of a protesting pastor—reveals a profound moral bankruptcy. His eagerness to embrace a state that is committing genocide, like Israel, while ignoring the safety of attendees is a stark testament to his priorities.
In this dire landscape emerges Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for mayor of New York City, who is lending his voice to the concerns of many. He bravely points out that while Infantino may be indifferent to the plight of families affected by the state’s violence, the people of New York are not. On a recent episode of The Guardian’s Football Weekly podcast, Mamdani, an ardent soccer enthusiast and supporter of Arsenal FC, expressed his apprehensions regarding the potential for ICE to infringe upon a global sporting event designed to unite people. “I have heard from so many already who are terrified of the prospect of being in public life during the World Cup,” he stated, articulating a reality that many fear but few dare to voice.
Mamdani’s campaign, “Game Over Greed,” is a bold critique of FIFA’s exploitative ticket pricing strategies, which threaten to alienate average fans from the World Cup experience. His campaign’s website exposes the scandal of dynamic pricing, a scheme that allows FIFA to inflate ticket prices based on demand—similar to how rideshare apps spike fares during bad weather. This practice isn’t just a financial burden; it’s a calculated move to profit off the passion of fans. Furthermore, FIFA’s plan does not reserve a single ticket for local residents, a stark departure from practices in previous World Cups.
This outcry against FIFA’s exploitation has generated immediate backlash, yet Mamdani stands as a solitary figure among politicians willing to channel that anger into actionable demands. His campaign has called for an end to dynamic pricing, the abolition of unregulated resale markets, and the allocation of 15 percent of tickets for local residents—a fair and just ask considering the circumstances.
As a nonprofit organization, FIFA’s profit margins are astonishing. The 2026 World Cup is projected to be the most lucrative sporting event in history, with anticipated revenue reaching $10 billion—far surpassing earnings from previous World Cups. Soccer historian David Goldblatt rightly characterizes FIFA as “one of the most hypocritical, self-serving organizations in the world.” This hypocrisy is amplified by the unsettling alliance between Infantino and a U.S. leadership that is equally devoid of ethics and accountability. Trump’s willingness to exploit this global event for political gain, while ignoring the militarization of host cities against ordinary citizens, underscores the urgent need for accountability at all levels.
While Mamdani’s initiative is commendable, it is ultimately insufficient. His advocacy for fairer ticket prices and the cessation of dynamic pricing is a necessary conversation but pales in comparison to the deeper, more systemic issues at play. The reality is stark: cheaper tickets will not matter if individuals find themselves facing the threat of detention or violence during what is supposed to be a celebration of sport and unity.
The World Cup should be a time when people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate the beautiful game. But under the current U.S. administration, the very fabric of safety and inclusivity is under siege. The message is clear: until we can ensure the safety and rights of all individuals—particularly those marginalized and attacked by state forces—the world would be wise to steer clear of the United States during this monumental event.
As the impending World Cup draws near, the onus is on us to demand more than just better ticket prices. We must hold FIFA and our own government accountable for the greater systemic injustices that threaten not only the integrity of sport but the lives and rights of countless individuals. The world deserves better than this circus; it deserves freedom, safety, and the promise of solidarity through sport, not oppression.
This article highlights the importance of FIFA Falls Short.
