A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026

Summary

The Athletic FC Podcast: "A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026"
Host: The Athletic
Release Date: March 30, 2025

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Overview

In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, hosts Ayo Akinwolere and Jesse Marsh delve into the complex intersection of sports and politics surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Panama. The episode explores how President Donald Trump's administration's policies and rhetoric have created a charged geopolitical environment, affecting the participating nations and the tournament's dynamics.

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Political Climate and Its Impact on the World Cup

Jesse Marsh introduces the episode by highlighting the tension between the host nations, exacerbated by Trump's policies. The U.S. administration's aggressive stance on tariffs and immigration has not only strained relationships with Canada and Mexico but also set a contentious backdrop for the upcoming World Cup.

Adam Leventhal (timestamp [03:30]) emphasizes the inevitability of sports intertwining with politics, stating, “The interaction is always going to be there. Much has been said over the last three months about Mexico and Canada. The tariffs from the United States is like shifting sand, all of it punctuating another round of whiplash reversal on tariffs against Canada and Mexico.”

He further explains that such political tensions could serve as additional motivation for teams, adding that “sports at times as apolitical. That's never been the case.”

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Canada's Resilience and Response

Canada's national team has emerged resilient amidst political turmoil. Jesse Marsh details how Trump's rhetoric, including statements like Canada becoming the "51st state," has been met with strong backlash from Canadian fans and officials.

During a heated match (timestamp [05:35]), Canadian fans in Montreal booed the U.S. national anthem, leading to three fights within the first nine seconds. Despite this, Canada won the Four Nations Tournament final, a victory celebrated by new Prime Minister Mark Carney as a testament to Canadian unity and strength.

Adam Leventhal reflects on the situation, stating, “If I have one message to our president, it's lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state. As an American, I'm ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”

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Mexico’s Rebranding Amid Trump’s Policies

Mexico faces its own challenges in the lead-up to the World Cup. The Trump administration's attempts to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America and aggressive immigration policies have cast Mexico in a defensive position on the global stage.

Jesse Marsh discusses Mexico’s efforts to shift its global image, noting, “Mexico have an opportunity to win this Nations League trophy in the final minute... Political view should be out of the game, but it's unavoidable.”

Adam Leventhal adds, “Every time that I turn the TV in the US or anywhere around the world, you hear about Mexico, but you hear about the violence, the drug cartels. And while that's a reality of the country, I think it's the 5 or 7% of what the country is all about.”

Mexico aims to use the World Cup as a platform to showcase its rich culture, history, and modernity, countering negative stereotypes perpetuated by negative political narratives.

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Panama's Stand and the Panama Canal Controversy

Panama, another host nation, finds itself in a unique position due to Trump's controversial statements about reclaiming the Panama Canal. Jesse Marsh highlights Panama's strategic role and their response to external pressures.

Adam Leventhal recounts interactions with Panamanian officials and citizens, stating, “The Panama Canal is the Panama Canal. There needs to be a little bit more fact checking regarding the Panama Canal... it's operated by Panamanians.”

Panama’s national team leveraged this tension to boost national pride, with victories over the United States serving as both sporting achievements and political statements. Thierry Henry, closely involved with Panama’s celebrations, underscores the importance of maintaining focus on the sport: “I don't think I've ever seen a separate celebration like this. Definitely something I will always, always remember.”

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USA’s Struggle with National Identity in Sports

The U.S. national team grapples with defining its identity amidst political upheaval. Facing internal pressures and external criticisms, the team's journey reflects the broader national struggle.

Jesse Marsh interviews J.T. Batson, CEO of the U.S. Soccer Federation, who emphasizes the organization's commitment to ensuring a successful World Cup despite political distractions. Batson mentions, “We have to build new relationships with new folks in leadership positions across the State Department, across Treasury, across the White House.”

Adam Leventhal observes, “They are a team that right now is searching for their identity and they are feeling pressure and negativity and pessimism from all around them with a little more than a year to figure it out before the World Cup.”

The episode also touches on the potential for the U.S. to reclaim a sense of unity and purpose through the World Cup, despite the ongoing divisive rhetoric.

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Visa Issues and Logistical Challenges

One of the significant concerns leading up to the World Cup is the visa process for international visitors. Jesse Marsh and Adam Leventhal discuss how Trump's immigration policies might complicate the influx of fans and participants.

At timestamp [37:17], Adam Leventhal shares, “Whenever I ask people involved in planning this World cup, what's the thing keeping you up at night? They say visas.” The prolonged visa wait times, particularly for countries like Colombia, pose a threat to the economic success anticipated from the tournament.

Jesse Marsh notes the economic implications, explaining that the World Cup's success depends not just on ticket sales but also on the spending of international visitors in host cities.

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Cultural and Social Reflections

The podcast also delves into the social and cultural implications of hosting the World Cup amid political tensions. Adam Leventhal discusses the importance of sports as a unifying force, yet acknowledges the challenges of maintaining this unity in a politically charged environment.

Alexi Lalas, a former U.S. international and Trump supporter, provides a contrasting perspective. He advocates for integrating political narratives into sports to reflect societal realities, stating, “International sporting events are nothing new. I actually enjoy that part of it.”

Jesse Marsh highlights the diversity of opinions among stakeholders, emphasizing how political affiliations influence perceptions and interactions within the sports community.

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Conclusion: Navigating the Divided Landscape

As the episode concludes, Adam Leventhal and Jesse Marsh reflect on the delicate balance between sports and politics. The 2026 World Cup presents an unprecedented opportunity to showcase not only athletic excellence but also to address and possibly bridge the prevailing political divisions.

Adam Leventhal optimistically states, “I hope it goes away... When we get closer to that day, I mean, things will be better than they are now.”

The hosts underscore the importance of focusing on the unifying power of football, despite the overshadowing political tensions, aiming for a successful and harmonious World Cup that transcends national differences.

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Notable Quotes

• Adam Leventhal ([03:30]): “The interaction [between sports and politics] is always going to be there. Much has been said over the last three months about Mexico and Canada. The tariffs from the United States is like shifting sand, all of it punctuating another round of whiplash reversal on tariffs against Canada and Mexico.”

• Adam Leventhal ([05:35]): “If I have one message to our president, it's lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state. As an American, I'm ashamed of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”

• Adam Leventhal ([09:29]): “They [Canadian fans] appreciate that I see the indecency and that I'm willing to speak up about it. And in the end, I hope they understand it's not about me, it's about what I see in the Canadian community and certainly how I feel about our team and our players.”

• Adam Leventhal ([16:21]): “When the World Cup was awarded to the three nations, it genuinely felt like the United States, then Mexico, and way down there, in the polite underbelly is Canada. I don't think that's going to be the case.”

• Adam Leventhal ([25:31]): “This for Mexico is a brand building exercise. This is about repositioning the way the world sees Mexico through the power of a World Cup that has the amplification of power that is not going to come back in the next 40 years to show the country of how it is.”

• Adam Leventhal ([36:17]): “I am not very fond of talking about politics, but it is not nice to listen to that because as I just mentioned, I have this huge opportunity that we're going to share the World Cup and everything, and it's all about mobility.”

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Final Thoughts

"A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026" offers a comprehensive exploration of how political dynamics, particularly under President Trump's administration, are set to influence one of the world's most celebrated sporting events. Through insightful discussions, interviews, and expert analysis, the podcast underscores the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the host nations, emphasizing the enduring power of football to bridge divides and foster unity.

Transcript

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[Jesse Marsh]

The 2026 World cup hosts USA.

[Adam Leventhal]

Canada.

[Jesse Marsh]

USA, Mexico and Canada plus Panama together for a football tournament. With all this going on, tension's a.

[Adam Leventhal]

Good thing, even for the World Cup. Yeah, I think so. That's why you can't escape sports and politics. The interaction is always going to be there. Much has been said over the last three months about Mexico and Canada. The tariffs from the United States is like shifting sand, all of it punctuating another round of whiplash reversal on tariffs against Canada and Mexico. In trade. As in hockey, Canada will win. I renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. Support estadocicion. My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.

[Jesse Marsh]

This is Adam Leventhal in Los Angeles for this special episode of the Athletic FC podcast. Here for the culmination of a football tournament with an inescapable geopolitical backdrop.

[Adam Leventhal]

Since taking office, my administration has launched the most sweeping border and immigration crackdown in American history. The State Department is finalizing a plan to bring back the controversial travel bans Trump put in place during his first term in office. America will welcome the world. There will be millions of people coming, Mr. President. Millions of people.

[Jesse Marsh]

Canada, Mexico and Panama have all found themselves in the crosshairs of President Donald Trump within his first 100 days in office. And here they are playing with the United States in the Nations League finals. It feels like the footballing gods have.

[Adam Leventhal]

Been mischievous and what happened is they rigged the election and I became president. So that was a good thing. So I'll be president during the World Cup.

[Jesse Marsh]

I'm going to look at what happens when the sport and politics are thrust together like this. How do the main protagonists, including the all important fans, feel about it all?

[Adam Leventhal]

It was clearly political, the way they reacted. It's unavoidable because there's nations versus nations. It means a little bit extra to win it with everything going on.

[Jesse Marsh]

And how do three of those countries readying themselves for a World cup next year put on a united front when so much of the talk is of division?

[Adam Leventhal]

Maybe it's added motivation for each team. People think of sports at times as apolitical. That's never been the case and it's an honor. Thank you very much, Johnny. Thank you. Thank you, President.

[Jesse Marsh]

This is a World cup divided Trump and 2026. So we're going to deal with America's World cup partners, Canada, then Mexico. I'll be heading over the southern border.

[Adam Leventhal]

I know Mexico's gonna get better.

[Jesse Marsh]

Before we talk Panama. Oh, part of that story, the former US Ambassador that was like a squashed.

[Adam Leventhal]

Bug on a windshield.

[Jesse Marsh]

And Thierry Henry.

[Adam Leventhal]

You can call it the nation political league finals tournament, but we're going to.

[Jesse Marsh]

Start with Canada and Trump's plan for high tariffs and annexation. The idea, as you can hear, went down like a lead balloon with Canada's ice hockey fans in Montreal who booed the U.S. national anthem in the first of two fiery meetings. There were three fights in the first nine seconds of the first game in which the U.S. prevailed. But then Canada won the Four nations tournament final, a sporting moment seized upon on by new Prime Minister Mark Carney.

[Adam Leventhal]

The Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves.

[Jesse Marsh]

Then came the political football. Thanks to Jesse Marsh, Canada's American head coach.

[Adam Leventhal]

If I have one message to our president, it's lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state. As an American, I'm ashamed. Right. Of the, of the arrogance and disregard that we've shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.

[Jesse Marsh]

During the CONCACAF Nations League finals with semi's third, fourth playoff and final over two days, I grabbed Marsh for a West Wing style chat. Jesse. Adam from the Athletic. Hi, Adam, how are you? I'm going to walk and talk with you.

[Adam Leventhal]

Okay.

[Jesse Marsh]

Because I'm doing a documentary.

[Adam Leventhal]

Oh, awesome.

[Jesse Marsh]

About the political side of things. And it's been fascinating watching you become this chameleon. You've completely become a Canadian and you've become a spokesperson for the nation at such a pivotal time. How has that challenge been for you?

[Adam Leventhal]

First of all, I have my own personal beliefs about the political situation in the US But I don't think it's my position to talk about everything and all of what's happening, I obviously have my thoughts. But when it pertains to what it means for my job and the people I represent, like, I felt it was important, especially as an American, to stand up for a country that, even though it's not mine, deserves different treatment, better treatment. Right. And so it was a professional responsibility, but also a personal attachment to my professional responsibility.

[Jesse Marsh]

And as an American, there's not many people that would actually go toe to toe with Donald Trump. How does that, how does that feel? Because you've got a platform, I'm sure, look, there's plenty of people in the country that go, hey, I don't agree with him. There's a lot of people that do agree with him. Well, look, so doing it is quite a bold thing to do.

[Adam Leventhal]

Shortly after that, I had one person say to me, like, that was really Brave. And I was like, well, it's free speech. And. And then this person said, yeah, but don't you worry about somebody coming after you? And I kind of, like, chuckled a little bit. But the 50th person that said that to me made me think, what kind of world are we living in? And what does that mean about the interpretation of what the US government is right now? If that's the response that 50 different people give me within one week. Right. That's a concerning theme among people that are Americans.

[Jesse Marsh]

So does that make you think twice?

[Adam Leventhal]

No, I don't think. I'm like, give me a. I'm a soccer coach. Like, people don't care that much about my political opinions or if I choose to say anything or. Or nothing. They care more about if my team wins.

[Jesse Marsh]

But the Canadians appreciate it, don't they?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, I think they appreciate that I see the indecency and that I'm willing to speak up about it. And in the end, I hope they understand it's not about me, it's about what I see in the Canadian community and certainly how I feel about our team and our players, because I also feel like they deserve to be, you know, really appreciated and celebrated for what. Who they are and what they are.

[Jesse Marsh]

And it is a strange old situation that we're here, Canada on your chest. We've got Mexico, we've got Panama. Three adversaries that we wouldn't expect to be adversaries of the States in a political sphere, all head to head. It's an anomalous situation.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah. And I think maybe it's added motivation for each team. Right. When they play the U.S. i think the U.S. players have been thrust, both we saw in hockey and now in soccer, they've been thrust into a situation that they didn't ask for for. But the reality is that the international games in North America take on more meaning now. That's the reality.

[Jesse Marsh]

And is it going to change the build up to the World Cup? Do you think it could? Are you hoping that it, like you said in the press conference today, that it's just going to dampen down the. Trump the noise.

[Adam Leventhal]

One thing you don't want is people to get numb to things that they believe strongly about. Right. And certainly I don't want to feel that way, but. But you can't help but with all the different information that comes out every day to, to wonder what is the course of action for the future. But I do think that in one year or one look, in one day.

[Jesse Marsh]

One hour, you never know. What's next?

[Adam Leventhal]

Things can be entirely different. Right? So. And I feel like it's a different moment now than it was for Four Nations. Look, if the U.S. was playing Canada in the final, I think there'd be a different kind of charged feeling around it than there is. But in the end, I still. It's really important for me that with everything that, all my opinions, that I'm still entirely focused when I'm in this position to do what I think is best for the team and for what we represent.

[Jesse Marsh]

We spoke the day before Canada faced the United states in the third, fourth playoff, and the morning after this dropped.

[Adam Leventhal]

Mr. Prime Minister. Mike Myers, what are you doing here? I just thought I'd come up and check on things. You live in the States. Yeah, but I'll always be Canadian. But let me ask you, Mr. Prime Minister, will there always be a Canada? There will always be a Canada. All right, elbows up. Elbows up. Coming up. There's going to be an election in Canada in April, and the number one talking point above any other talking point is, how are you going to deal with Donald Trump? My name is Joshua Cloak. I cover the Canadian men's national team for the Athletic. I think the best way to sum it up is that when I told some friends and family that I was heading down to Los Angeles for seven days to cover this tournament, most of them winced at me. It's become not okay. It's become uncool to travel to the United States. My entire life, we looked at the border between the United States and Canada as just an imaginary line because travel was so easy to do. We were allies. And what's grown in Canada recently is a genuine sense of disdain for the country under Donald Trump. There is a lot of fear because of the 51st state rhetoric, because of the tariffs, that maybe they're coming, maybe they're not.

[Jesse Marsh]

There was no booing of the anthems during the Nations League. I stood with the Canada fans. There was just plenty of national pride before and after the 21 win. How does that feel to just be in the United States?

[Adam Leventhal]

It's a great feeling to beat the US in every sport. It means a little bit extra to win it with everything going on, it feels great. We were obviously upset with the loss against Mexico, and this is a huge consolation prize because, I mean, whenever you play the U.S. it's not just a friendly or a game for third place. There's a lot of pride on the line, and now it's become more geopolitical than ever. So it means a lot we beat them in hockey and we beat them in football. A lot of people, whenever I say.

[Jesse Marsh]

I'm from Canada, people have been apologetic.

[Adam Leventhal]

So I don't think the majority of people here have the sentiment of their president. So I don't know, we're just happy to be here and everybody's been really friendly with us. My name is Jean Sebastian. My name is. I'm the vice president of the Voyagers, the Canadian supporter groups.

[Jesse Marsh]

Tell me about the feeling you have towards Jesse Marsh. He seems to be an adopted Canadian very much now.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, absolutely. I had the chance to have a dinner with Jesse a month ago and he told me that he is impressed with the athletes that he has right now and he thinks that he can do much better on the field in the future. And I really feel that he is now like a Canadian, that he understands our culture, he respects the other teams. And I feel that the way he's thinking is pretty much like Canadian. So for me, Jesse is now part of the family.

[Jesse Marsh]

I was stood behind the goal as the full time whistle went and I saw you turn around, kiss the maple leaf. What did that mean to you, that victory in particular at this time, winning against America on American soil?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, for sure. I think our supporters group were behind us as well. So own to them and just to show them I'm a proud Canadian. I think representing this badge in our country is not something that we take for granted. So in games like this, we know that the stakes are a little bit higher. So just to show the pride in a match like this, of course is not the championship match that we want to be involved in, but still a prideful game and something that we really took not for granted.

[Jesse Marsh]

That's Canada's keeper, Dane Sinclair. Did the political backdrop add an extra edge to it for you?

[Adam Leventhal]

Maybe a little bit. At the same time, they've been our rivals before, you know what I mean? So I think everything can kind of.

[Jesse Marsh]

Get blown out of into that.

[Adam Leventhal]

But I think for us it's knowing that Canada and U.S. has always been a rivalry and maybe not so much as in soccer or football recently, but we know that recently we have been. So just continue that and earn the respect of concacaf.

[Jesse Marsh]

Here's Josh Cloak again. So how much did it mean for Canada to beat the United States at this time in particular?

[Adam Leventhal]

Probably a lot more than a lot of outsiders would think. Talking to some players post game, there was a feeling that this is always a priority for them, especially right now. Stefan Estacchio literally told me we needed to win and Frankly, I think that attitude was probably lacking for the. From the American side. For generations, Canada was just seen as an afterthought in North American soccer. But Canadian players are really just sick of that attitude. There's so much more internal belief. You know, the resources are better, but the pride is there. And that pride, not only is it not dissipated, it's certainly been elevated in the context of everything happening around Canada, U.S. relations lately.

[Jesse Marsh]

So how much do you think everything that has come out of the Oval Office and how, you know, the likes of Mark Carney, for example, have responded to it? How much has it played into the hands of Canada?

[Adam Leventhal]

When the World cup was awarded to the three nations, it genuinely felt like the United States, then Mexico, and way down there, you know, in the polite underbelly is Canada. I don't think that's going to be the case. I think you're going to see, again, a lot more bravado. You're going to see a lot more Canadian players happy to put themselves in front of cameras. Talk about personal pride, talk about national pride in a new way. And that's dangerous. Even as I say those words, national pride, those are dangerous things to say. But in a sporting context, that hasn't really existed, at least with the men's national team. I start to think about how TV numbers could improve because you mentioned Mark Carney, right? His. His ads are. They're really catching on, that elbows up, you know, attitude. If Canadian players embrace that, I think they'll win over a lot of newfound fans because it shows. They're not afraid to go head on with confrontation. They're not afraid to run from the political discourse. They're not afraid to run from the pressure in a way that, frankly, players in the past, they wouldn't have even showed up for those debates, right?

[Jesse Marsh]

Canada's contribution to the 2026 World cup is being organized by Peter Montopoli.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's that moment when the anthems play. In our first home game in a home World cup where Canada's playing in Toronto, the largest TV audience in the history of our country will be watching globally between 300 million and 500 million. I challenge my staff every day. What do we want our country to look like? What do we want? I want Canada to be seen like, and I trust that the world sees us as the most welcoming country in the world. We are the most diverse country in the world. We're very passionate about who we are, and we've seen in recent times that we have to stick up for ourselves sometimes. We don't have to be the nice Canadians. We can get our elbows up. It's okay. At the end of the day, I think the world needs more of Canada, and we're here to show the world what we are. So June 12, 2026, is one of the most important days in the history of our country. And I hope all of us who are here as Canadians embrace that and show the world we're here. We're good for the world. That's who we stand for.

[Jesse Marsh]

The US Team, meanwhile, had been thrust into a political storm out of their control. Head coach Maurizio Pochettino was staying out of it.

[Adam Leventhal]

I think we cannot mix political scene with the sport. In my career, it's not because I don't want to talk. I have my ideas, but I think I represent my country, but the Federation of Soccer and only I need to talk about soccer.

[Jesse Marsh]

After they lost their semi final against Panama, I caught up with Fulham defender Tim Reen. I guess the rhetoric doesn't help you guys right now.

[Adam Leventhal]

No, but it's also, you know, for us, we're athletes, and we focus on our own jobs and our own tasks. And like I said, if that's part of their motivation, then, okay, that's what they need and that's what they use, and we have to deal with that as well.

[Jesse Marsh]

Did politics ever come into the conversation?

[Adam Leventhal]

No. I learned a long time ago that politics, money, and religion are not something that we touch upon too much. Everybody has their own thoughts, their own feelings, and if it's discussed, then, you know, it's fine. It is what it is. But within. Within our group, it's not. It's not really discussed all that much because we understand and we see. It's not something that we're well versed in and, you know, wanting to delve deep into. I'm Phil Labis. I'm out of Chicago, Illinois, and I'm partially responsible for helping us lead the chance.

[Jesse Marsh]

Tell me about the context of this tournament at the moment, politically. Playing Panama, playing Canada, playing Mexico.

[Adam Leventhal]

There's a cat over here with the we're not for sale, right in the Canada hat, right? And there's Panama guys up top, right, who are just, like, all game long giving us rats. It doesn't matter. It's okay, right? It's okay. As long as the verbal doesn't matter. The verbal doesn't matter. As long as no one's throwing nonsense and being, like, belligerent, everything's fine, Right? Me, personally, I try to separate politics and sports. Clearly, when Panama scored You could hear Canada, Mexico. Obviously, Panama was rooting for their team. But I mean, it was clearly political, the way they reacted. I've never seen Canada react like that to us losing a game. But yeah, it was clearly political. It was clearly pretty anti Trump, which is fine. They're within the right to do that. But I like to separate the game from politics. I mean, same thing happened in the four nations. I mean, it was a lot more than just hockey, right? It was a lot more than sport. And I think the same thing here today. I am not behind the politics of division. This is a time where it feels strange to me to wear American iconography proudly, but this is a space where I feel like I can without fully supporting my government's current policies.

[Jesse Marsh]

Yeah, that's interesting. So I guess you hope one day to be wearing that and actually feel more proud. Proud than ashamed, I guess.

[Adam Leventhal]

Absolutely. 100%. Yeah. There are parts of America that I am proud of its current place in the world. I don't feel very proud. However, there are still things that I hold on to that I hope will return to the forefront in the future. I'm Paul Tenorio. I cover the U.S. men's National Team for the athletics.

[Jesse Marsh]

It ended with the USA fourth out of four and with a lot to think about on and off the field. Is that fair?

[Adam Leventhal]

They are a team that right now is searching for their identity and they are feeling pressure and negativity and pessimism from all around them with a little more than a year to figure it out before the World Cup. So on the field, there is certainly a lot of pressure around the team. And I think we saw in this tournament that the outside influences, the things that are happening in this country are going to continue to be a narrative that this team is going to have to address as the World Cup. The world's biggest tournament and the biggest version of this tournament we'll ever see comes to these shores. Those issues are not issues that this team can escape from because they are very relevant to the World cup tournament that the US Will be co hosting.

[Jesse Marsh]

Interesting. Next I head south. This is the border into Mexico. A nation fighting for a rebrand.

[Adam Leventhal]

Every time that I turn the TV in the US or anywhere around the world, you hear about Mexico, but you hear about the violence, the drug cartels.

[Jesse Marsh]

This is a World cup divided Trump and 2026.

[Adam Leventhal]

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[Jesse Marsh]

This is a special episode of the Athletic FC podcast. A World cup divided Trump and 2026. We've spoken about Canada. Now to America's other World cup partner, Mexico.

[Adam Leventhal]

Every time that I turn the TV in the US or anywhere around the world, you hear about Mexico, but you hear about the violence, the drug cartels. And while that's a reality of the country, I think It's a the 5 or 7% of what the country is all about. History, tradition, culture, music, food, modernity. If I if this World cup through the power of football that only the FIFA World cup can deliver, the perception of anybody around the world can change. And don't ask me if Mexico safe after this would be the ideal, the ideal picture that I would like to have.

[Jesse Marsh]

That's Jurgen Meinka, Mexico's head World cup organizer, now navigating a different diplomatic challenge. With Trump's rebranding of the Gulf of Mexico to America. High tariffs and strong arm immigration policies.

[Adam Leventhal]

This for Mexico is a brand building exercise. This is about repositioning the way the world sees Mexico through the power of a World cup that has the amplification of power that is not going to come back in the next 40 years to show the country of how it is.

[Jesse Marsh]

So Mexico have an opportunity to win this Nations League trophy in the final minute and it is the Fulham striker Raul Jimenez who will take the penalty for them. You've just seen Mexico, your team win this tournament. How does it feel to you?

[Adam Leventhal]

I mean it feels really good because, you know, the past four or five years we've had that debate. Does Mexico have it coming into the next World Cup? Do they have it? Do they have. Looks like we have it. Mexican national team. This is like their second home outside of the, outside of Mexico. It's a pretty, it's a pretty strong connection.

[Jesse Marsh]

And just one word on the, on the political backdrop to Mexico playing in this tournament.

[Adam Leventhal]

Political view should be out the game. This is a sport.

[Jesse Marsh]

But it's unavoidable that it is unavoidable.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's unavoidable because there's nations versus nations. It's kind of a sticky situation. I feel like when we come to the pitch and to watch enjoy football, try and almost forget about those problems even though we know there is an under underlying issue. So I think when it comes to football, it's a matter of just having an appreciation for the game. That's the beat of the sport brings competition, excitement, unity amongst the community. That's all. That's where it stays at. Felipe Carnes with the Athletic I have covered Mexico since 2019. Throughout the week, Javier Agirde, the Mexico coach wasn't asked about politics. You know, the other coaches were. He was not asked about it. And then today around reporter, a Mexican reporter did ask him. He said, you look at the stadium, 62,000 people here, so many of them Mexican at a time where the anti immigration rhetoric in the US is at an all time high. How did he feel about that, seeing all these fans here, that many of them didn't come because they were scared to be out in public and run into the ICE agents, the government ICE agents. And Javier Guerda, you know, first said that it's not first of all, he's said it's not a new problem. He said he's been coming to the United States as a coach, as a player for decades and he's always seen that sort of angst and anxiety from the Mexican fan base here in the United States. He went on to say that it's not, he's not an expert in the topic, that's why he doesn't talk about it. But he understood the significance of the moment. And in the very end, the last thing that he said, Aguirre said, well, the one thing that I will say is that the Gulf of Mexico will always be the Gulf of Mexico to me. So I think that was a strong statement. Obviously, Donald Trump, one of the first things he did was attempt to change, right, the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. A small, subtle detail, but one that I think did rankle a lot of people in Mexico. And clearly Aguile remembered Rodolfo Landeros. I'm a host, play by play announcer and reporter for Fox Deportes. I think these players, from what I talked to them over the years, they know that the situation is difficult. They know how hard Mexicans work on this, on this country. Because when you take a look at the DNA of Mexicans working in the States, it's always hard labor, hard work, efficiency, even though it's not recognized by the White House right now. But sometimes they say they bring their worst. But there are plenty of people that work their ass off to be or to bring food to their table of their families and all that. And these players know, even though they don't like to mix politics with sport. I'm Deborah Rodriguez. The Trump administration's fight to resume migrant deportations to a prison in El Salvador resumes.

[Jesse Marsh]

I'm heading south from LA, around about 100 miles away to San Diego, which is just on the Mexican border. And I wanted to go down to Tijuana. It's funny, I haven't been there since 1991. I remember coming over here one summer and we were able to pop over to another country. It was quite a novel experience. But I took a cab with a guy called Reggie the other day, and he said how things have gradually since that time ramped up to how they are now.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's a total 180. A lot of it you won't recognize because they reinforce the wall. And it's a lot more securities with guys with guns. Before, you would see them in the holsters. Now they're actually walking around with AR15 rifles and more bulletproof vests and things of that nature because, you know, they have the cartels in Tijuana, and then you got the people trying to smuggle stuff through the border. It can get pretty hectic down there if something happens.

[Jesse Marsh]

It's become a big issue since President Trump came back into power. He's really turning the screw on Mexico with tariffs, with immigration, with deportation.

[Adam Leventhal]

He causes problems where things that doesn't need to be caused problems. I mean, it's a common sense thing. Those are your neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Why would you want to anger them? And we depend on them for so many things.

[Jesse Marsh]

So I'm just coming up to the border now and I'm going to park on the US Side and then walk across.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah.

[Jesse Marsh]

And you start to get an idea now of what this border actually looks like. Just about to hit it right now, and you've got a huge brown wall, you may well have seen it on the TV, which goes up 20, 30ft, high up, and then you've got razor wire and then two big sets of fences heading into a turnstile. And this is the border into Mexico. I wanted to come this side of the border just to gauge people's opinions who live so close to the United States as to whether they've got a huge desire to go over to the other side of the border now that Donald Trump is in power. Tell me what life is like in Tijuana.

[Adam Leventhal]

The life is better. I like Tijuana because. Because my life is free. No stress. It's ten times better here.

[Jesse Marsh]

This side?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, this side. Tell me why you got more freedom. And over there you can't. There's too many rules. And it's really expensive right now. And over here it's really cheap. Pretty much whoever stays over there doesn't have papers on all that kind of stuff. They're pretty much like in jail because they cannot go out, because you have to watch out from the police or border patrol or something like that. And over here there's money. The only thing you have to do is work.

[Jesse Marsh]

How does it make you feel when you hear the words of Donald Trump speaking about Mexicans and Mexico in such a negative way?

[Adam Leventhal]

I feel sorry for him because he doesn't know about culture. It's like sad, you know, because like here in the line is the most of the people, they don't come come to Tijuana because they're scared they can come back for that because they are resident or they got a visa or something. They don't come over like before because they scared to they can go back. That's what happened. United States is not the great country it was back back in the days. It was a great country and I know Mexico is going to get better.

[Jesse Marsh]

Well, I'm now back on the US side of the border. It took me about half an hour to come through. It was interesting seeing some of the, the signage as you go through customs. One poster saying, your fentanyl kills. Obviously, it's a, It's a key issue at the moment. And also there was a big poster with faces of people that they're on the lookout for potentially coming in from Mexico.

[Adam Leventhal]

Football is the most important thing in life.

[Jesse Marsh]

Former Mexico international Carlos Vela played for LAFC and still lives in the city.

[Adam Leventhal]

So it will be a great opportunity to show our football, our culture and make a big party for the people. Because we know how important is a World Cup. It's every four years. So you have to do it in the right way. And of course the player will enjoy and have that excitement to do it.

[Jesse Marsh]

And how challenging is it at the moment with the, with the political situation, the relations between the USA and Mexico? Because that's, it's long standing. But at the moment it's. It's pretty difficult, isn't it?

[Adam Leventhal]

The war is in a really tough situation, but I mean, we are out of sight of that. We. We don't focus in that situation because it's not in our hands. We only focus in do our football be always friendly with everybody. Because at the end of the day, the world is for the humans and for everybody. So we have to enjoy life and try to make the life easy for everybody. Mauricio Culebro President of Tigres for people.

[Jesse Marsh]

In America, in Canada and in Mexico in particular, they know about the strength of Liga mx. Maybe in Europe, people aren't necessarily familiar with how strong and how important it is. Tell me about it.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, for Mexico, it's like the biggest sport. I think it has grown considerably in the last years. We have this idea to take the Liga and Mekis to other countries so they can be more familiar with them.

[Jesse Marsh]

I'm going to talk about politics now and I can see you wince, I can see you smile and think, oh, here we go. But obviously, the subplot to the World cup with Canada and Mexico and the United States is now we have this new dynamic with Donald Trump's presidency. How difficult is that for you to hear when he's talking about your country in particular?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yes, as you said, I'm not very fond of talking about politics, but it is not nice to listen to that because as I just mentioned, I mean, we have this huge opportunity that we're going to share the World cup and everything, and it's all about mobility. And now with all these things going on, I mean, obviously not only will it affect, like immigration and taxes and everything, we haven't had any issues till now, but I mean, yeah, I mean, it is something that we have in mind and we need to prepare in case something changes.

[Jesse Marsh]

And do you think it will go away, this feeling of division?

[Adam Leventhal]

No, I hope it goes away. I mean, I'm pretty sure that when we get closer to that day, I mean, things will be better than they are now.

[Jesse Marsh]

That's all you can hope for, isn't it?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, exactly. That's what I hope.

[Jesse Marsh]

Next. There's more on the immigration issues.

[Adam Leventhal]

Whenever I ask people involved in planning this World cup, what's the thing keeping you up at night? They say visas.

[Jesse Marsh]

And Panama's response to Trump's Canal grab.

[Adam Leventhal]

Panama is Panama. Usa. Usa. But the Panama Canal is the Panama Canal. There needs to be a little bit more fact checking regarding the Panama Canal. This episode is brought to you by the Nissan Armada Pro 4X. With a twin turbo V6 engine ready to propel your adventures. Up to 8,500 pounds of towing capacity to haul all your favorite toys and space for eight passengers. Nissan's most powerful car yet will chew up and spit out anything you throw at it. Learn more about the all new 2025 Nissan Armada at nissanusa.com Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner's Manual for additional information. Always secure cargo Pro baller Lonzo Ball for Buzzballs ready to go. Cocktails take 12 buzzballs just dropped their biggest blue balls. Script says Biggie's Blue balls. Lonzo take 13 blue balls just dropped their biggest buzz. Okay, let's try a vocal exercise. Buzz balls, Biggies Blue balls. Buzz balls, Biggies Blue balls. Big balls just drop. Get blue balls this season with Buzz balls. Please read responsibly. Buzz Balls Available in spirit, wine and malt, 15% alcohol by volume. Buzzballs LLC, Carrollton, Texas.

[Jesse Marsh]

This is a World cup divided Trump and 2026, a special episode of the Athletic FC podcast. I'm here in LA and two of the World cup organizers you've heard from so far, Mexico's Yohga Minka and Canada's Peter Montopoli, were speaking at an event on stage that I'm outside now called the Business of Soccer. And you'll hear what U.S. soccer's J.T. batson said later on. The CONCACAF president, Victor Montagliani also spoke, and when he came off, he gave me a few minutes. We're here with all three nations competing in this tournament at the same time. The political landscape in the US has changed and the rhetoric is quite aggressive. What is your take on that?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, listen, I think if you're in the business of football and you're a leader in football, it's part of our job to deal with any administration. Doesn't matter where you're putting on the events. We had to deal with that in the last two weeks. World Cups, probably in World Cups before that. I don't know. I wasn't around then. But I'm sure, I'm sure whoever was there had to deal with it. We're going to have to deal with it moving forward. It's just the reality of putting on international global events. And so it's just the reality of it. And, you know, we got to focus on the event, we got to focus on the sport and whatever sort of challenges there are, you just deal with them accordingly.

[Jesse Marsh]

In your FIFA jurisdiction. Obviously Gianni Infantino has a close relationship relationship with with Donald Trump. It appears he's been in the Oval Office when it comes down to some of the logistical things like visas, for example, for the tournament. Yeah, that relationship, it seems, is going to be quite key, especially when the stance of the US Government is quite divisive rather than unified.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, I don't think you can read into sort of any policies now as it relates to the World cup because that's 16 months away. A lot of that work has already been done, started a couple, couple years ago. You start right away, whether it's Canada or US or Mexico, in terms of the process for visa, how does that work, national security, all that, that's a lot of that work is being done by obviously staff and various people. You have to have a relationship with obviously the top levels of government when you're putting on the World Cup. And I think once we get to that point of actually executing when visas are appropriate, which would be sometime next year, I think it'll go smoothly.

[Jesse Marsh]

But do you think there'll be a way of expediting entries, like a similar sort of higher, higher card sort of way that we had?

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah, you know, I think that's all. First of all, you have three countries, right? So the last two World Cups they had. What was that thing called? The fan, fan id. So we're looking at ways how we can have smooth, but the reality is all three countries and not just the US I can speak for my country. I mean, we have requirements. When you come into our country, I, I'm not sure Canada's going to just let them go because you have a World cup ticket. But any way we can smooth the process, we're going to try to do that.

[Jesse Marsh]

The athletics US based journalist Adam Crafton knows just how hot this topic is.

[Adam Leventhal]

Whenever I ask people involved in planning.

[Jesse Marsh]

This World cup, what's the thing keeping.

[Adam Leventhal]

You up at night, they say visas. Now, the issue of the visa wait times in Colombia, the last time I checked it was around, it was almost 700 days, the wait time. So if you apply for a visa now to come and see the World.

[Jesse Marsh]

Cup, you are missing the World Cup.

[Adam Leventhal]

FIFA are very concerned about these wait times. All of that is conspiring to have.

[Jesse Marsh]

The impact where FIFA want this to.

[Adam Leventhal]

Be, an open, inclusive World Cup. You even heard Infantino telling Trump in the Oval Office, america will welcome the world. There will be millions of people coming, Mr. President, millions of people.

[Jesse Marsh]

That is like the complete inverse of US government policy @ the moment. And the question then is, why does this matter? Well, this matters because each individual host city is on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars which they want to reclaim through the so called economic.

[Adam Leventhal]

Impact of this World Cup. Again in the Oval Office, Infantino told.

[Jesse Marsh]

Trump it's going to be $40 billion.

[Adam Leventhal]

Via FIFA being in the US for.

[Jesse Marsh]

25 Club World Cup, 26 World Cup. That's never been evident, by the way, at this stage. Like how you get 40 billion.

[Adam Leventhal]

But why does that matter? It matters because it's not enough just.

[Jesse Marsh]

To sell tickets to the games and.

[Adam Leventhal]

Sell out the games.

[Jesse Marsh]

First of all, you want that market.

[Adam Leventhal]

To be as competitive as possible.

[Jesse Marsh]

You want people taking flights, you want people taking local transit, you want people.

[Adam Leventhal]

Booking that nice downtown restaurant, you want people in a hotel, you want people who are there because it's the trip of the lifetime and they're going to stick it on the credit card and they're going to spend and spend and spend. That's not going to happen if you.

[Jesse Marsh]

Just have locals having a day out. So that's why the visa issue.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's not just a, oh, we're cuddly and we want to be nice to people and let people in the country, though. That's important.

[Jesse Marsh]

It's also the whole economic theory of the World cup depends on people coming into the country. That's Panama's fans singing the national anthem here in Los Angeles. They want to return for the expanded 48 team World cup with the hosts. But just like Mexico and Canada, the narrative around their nation has a Trump twist.

[Adam Leventhal]

My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal.

[Jesse Marsh]

So it was extra sweet when Panama did this in the last minute against the U.S. and now, Cecilia Waterman, Panama.

[Adam Leventhal]

Look to have found a winner. I'm Nicole Ferguson. I work for Errepese y Telemetro, that's Medcom Corporation in Panama.

[Jesse Marsh]

So tell me about the impact of this. Well, another victory over the United States at this current time.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's amazing, really. It's amazing. I know that our head coach and our players haven't won it to address, you know, the political aspect of what is going on right now. And they focused on the importance of it football wise. But I think that for our nation, I think it has another, let's say, addition of spices to it. Yes.

[Jesse Marsh]

What is the general feeling of those in Panama when they hear what is being said in the Oval Office by Donald Trump? Is it just, is it disbelief that he would even suggest something like taking back control of the Panama Canal? Do they believe it?

[Adam Leventhal]

No, actually, no. Because to be honest, I think that there needs to be a little bit more fact checking regarding the Panama Canal. And most of what I have heard is just not right. I know the whole Chinese part, they do operate port, but the operation of the Panama Canal is in the hands of Panamanians. Ports is another thing. But the Panama Canal itself is operated by Panamanians. We are very proud of what the Panama Canal has become since it's been back to Panamanian hands in 1999. And the canal has had immense growth under Panamanian administration. We're very fond of America. I don't think that there's anything against the United States or its citizen. For us in Panama, there might be like a little added spark with this victory over the US More than just football. The Panama Canal is the Panama Canal, no matter what country, but with a lot of heart, we will fight for our what is ours. That's what we do.

[Jesse Marsh]

And what will it be like back in Panama right now, having won?

[Adam Leventhal]

That's why we're having a party tonight. Usa. Usa. When it comes to sport, they got investments and good high level players in Panama. Third world country. Like, they tell us what we look like and we're there, we're competing. Yeah, it was the semifinal, but for us, it felt like the final. The canal is for the Panamanian people. The canal is Panamanian. The canal is Panamanian.

[Jesse Marsh]

Your message for Trump today, it's a.

[Adam Leventhal]

Good president, but the Panama Canal is from Panama.

[Jesse Marsh]

The goal scorer, Cecilio Waterman, was on the same page. Yes, the canal is Panama's, but I.

[Adam Leventhal]

Don'T get involved in those things.

[Jesse Marsh]

What he did after scoring also made the headlines.

[Adam Leventhal]

Our very own Thierry Henry involved in the celebrations.

[Jesse Marsh]

Henry works with CBS Sports, and I caught up with him before the final. Thierry, we're stood on the stage where you were beautifully assaulted after.

[Adam Leventhal]

Nicely attacked.

[Jesse Marsh]

Just tell me about how that, how that was.

[Adam Leventhal]

I still don't understand what happened. The shock of having him straight away in front of me, I was like, what? And then when I understood what he was saying, I just said to myself, you know what, Let them, let them have fun. But I don't think I've ever seen a separate celebration like this. Definitely something I will always, always remember.

[Jesse Marsh]

And Panama, obviously playing for a big cause, especially with what's going on in the, in the broader political sphere in this country. Mexico, the same. Canada, the same. It's. It's strange that it's had this backdrop, hasn't it, this, this tournament.

[Adam Leventhal]

I don't like so much to talk about politics, but you can, you can talk about this National League tournament, you can call it the nation, political league, final tournament or whatever you want to call it. I don't want to go into this type of discussion, but I played here in the MLS for four and a half years, and I kind of understood what it meant for everybody here when they were playing games over. And whenever they play the US Teams in this part of the world, when they play the U.S. they play the U.S. a different way. When they wear that jersey, it means a lot. And I know people will not maybe think, think that, you know, the excitement of the CONCACAF tournament or whatever, but I know fully well that those games are so tough to play, as you saw the other day. Like, you saw an American team that have good players that couldn't create against Panama. And so, no, it is, like I said, you have a great example of Panama. You had at one point, Costa Rica was Panama before. You know, like, for a very long time, Costa Rica was the team that was the bogey team for the US at times. Or Mexico. Mexico is coming back. I understood how much sorry for everyone when I came to play here. My name is John Feely. I'm a retired American career diplomat. I was an ambassador in Panama. Adam, there is not a single Panamanian who thinks this is a good idea. There's not a single Panamanian who is willing to sell the Panama Canal back to the United states. Back in 2017, when I was still serving as the ambassador to Panama, I took President Varela, Juan Carlos Varela, then President of Panama, in June of 2017 into the White House. Now, I'd been in Panama and I'd worked on Panama for decades. The very first time I ever heard anything about the Panama Canal being somewhat of a. Anything other than this tremendous success story was when Donald Trump, in our pre brief in the Oval Office, said, hey, do we pay to go through the canal? And I explained to him very technocratically that the United States doesn't have a commercial shipping fleet, that we're the biggest user. And he said, no, no, no, I don't mean that. I mean our Navy. Does our Navy pay to go through? And I said, well, yes, the Navy, like every other Navy in the world, pays, but they pay a very differentiated fee, and it's very transparent. He interrupted me. He said, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Why do we pay one dime to go through that? We built it. It was ours. And then he raised it with the former President of Panama, and then I never heard about it again. Then in December, he raises it again. Now, for me, it was not a surprise. I knew he had always harbored this kind of personal grudge.

[Jesse Marsh]

And John, in your opinion, do you think Trump understands diplomacy?

[Adam Leventhal]

What he understands is raw power, and he has a very instinctual understanding of that. So me being the diplomat in the room, to be frank with you, I was like a squashed bug on a windshield. There was no interest in diplomacy. What Trump is, I believe, and it's the only time I was ever in a room with him. Trump believes in deals. He said it in his book the Art of the Deal. I don't believe in win wins. I believe in I win, you lose. That's a good deal. I don't think there's any reason anybody should hold out any hope that he thinks traditional diplomacy even remotely figures in his calculus.

[Jesse Marsh]

Coming up, former US International and Trump supporter Alexi Lalas has his say.

[Adam Leventhal]

I am a proud registered Republican, voted for Donald Trump multiple times, proudly.

[Jesse Marsh]

And where does satire fit into all of this?

[Adam Leventhal]

You know, the Europeans, they made that sport and I'm not too fond of what they're doing over there. They call it football. If your football team had one option in their playbook, their results probably wouldn't be great. The same could be said for your investments. CBOE Index options like SPX and XSP can help expand your investing strategies with cash settlement and potential tax advantages. If you're ready for a more dynamic game plan, head to betterwithoptions.com Life is better with options. Your investments could be too. There are risks associated with Sebo Company products. Review the disclosures and [e-mail] USDisclaimers this season a new hot deal has arrived at Metro. $25 a line for four lines with all the data you need and four free Samsung Galaxy A15.5G phones. Get Getting Metro's best deals is easy. No ID required, no activation fees. Get a new number or keep your own. It's up to you. That's four lines for $25 a line plus four free phones. Visit a store or go online today only at Metro by T Mobile when you join Metro plus tax for a limited time and subject to change max one offer per account.

[Jesse Marsh]

This is a special episode of the Athletic FC podcast. A World cup divided Trump and 2026.

[Adam Leventhal]

SoFi Stadium is a smoke free environment. Smoking and smoking implements are prohibited.

[Jesse Marsh]

Now I have to tell you about this eye catching SOFI stadium. I'm stood between the two dugouts as we speak. It cost approximately $5.5 billion which makes it the most expensive ever built. Funded by the Arsenal and LA Rams owners Stan Kroenke, it's got a 70,000 seater stadium which can actually be expanded to 100,000 and in the main arena there is this incredible double sided oval screen that imposingly hangs above the field and it really does bring another dimension to the game when you're here watching them. Now. The Nations League games were the first with a natural grind test pitch and there's been no complaints about the playing surface at all. I'm stood on it now and it is absolutely beautiful. But a few of the managers did say that their playing style was inhibited by the reduced dimensions. Now that is 64 by 100 meters right now. But by the time of the World cup it will be up to full FIFA regulation 68 by 105 meters and it's where the US are going to open their World cup campaign. They'll also play another group game and there'll be six other fixtures also here at the SoFi Stadium. It's a venue made for big names. Will Smith provided the musical entertainment prior to the Nations League final between Mexico and Panama.

[Adam Leventhal]

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing me. Nations League Finals 2025 Bienvenid.

[Jesse Marsh]

Well, I've just walked down the end of Santa Monica Boulevard and I've stopped and the sun is setting and it's a very, very picturesque setting in front of me with the palm trees, the green grass, the wooden fences at the edge of the clifftop looking down to the beach and to the ocean. And there are plenty of people here on this Friday night just watching, watching the sun go down, getting ready for the weekend. And I've been flicking through the book that I've been reading whilst I've been here in Los Angeles, all or How Trump Recaptured America by the New York Times best selling author Michael Wolff. And in the epilogue he makes these predictions of Trump's early days and they ring true. He says that he will pursue draconian immigration policies, in his words, at least until they become too unpopular and the headlines too rough for him to tolerate anymore, he says. He also predicts that he will try tariffs Trump until their consequences become too complicated and too many CEOs complain to him. And this is really pertinent about the character of Trump. Chaos and audacity will continue to be his friends because he says that combination keeps him at the center of attention and that is his reality enjoyment. Alexi Lalas played 96 times for the US including all four games at the home 94 World Cup. He now works for Fox Sports and is fully behind Making America Great Again.

[Adam Leventhal]

I am a proud registered Republican, have been for a while. I certainly lean to the right, voted for Donald Trump multiple times proudly. I am happy in terms of the direction of the country, in terms of the things that he is doing, geopolitical narratives relative to sporting events and in Particular international sporting events are nothing new. I actually enjoy that part of it. I know people like and think of sports at times as apolitical. That's never been the case. And as a matter of fact, I think it, you know, it brings obviously a different layer and a different facet to these games. And I think it's to be expected and I think it's going to continue on. And so whether, you know, the United States is playing against Panama relative to the Panama Canal discussion, obviously the United States tonight here we saw them play against Canada and given all the back and forth between Canada and you know, that will continue on. When we're looking at what's happening here, obviously with the Panama Canal situation and obviously playing Panama, then you go to Canada and the back and forth of Canada, as much as one might feel it is or isn't tongue in cheek, you know, the reality is it is part of the narrative out there and then Mexico is always going to have the politics behind it. I look at it as part of telling the whole story, you know, the fans and what people come from and the cultures that oftentimes is represented and manifests on the field and in the stands.

[Jesse Marsh]

U.S. mexico and Canada are co hosting a World cup, trying to show a unified front ahead of this World cup and they're trying to do it against the backdrop of quite divisive politics or the politics of division. Ultimately, that makes it even more difficult, doesn't it?

[Adam Leventhal]

Well, let's be honest, at, at the time that the bid was made, it was prudent for the United States to align with Canada and Mexico. And maybe you could argue that it is the reason why people ultimately voted for it. Some may be holding their nose. Look, I readily admit that as the United States as what we are in terms of the history, in terms of the power, we come with baggage, that's fine. You know, I completely understand that 80% of the games are going to be played in the United States. And if we had to do again now, I think there's an argument to be made that, you know, the United States would have gone it alone.

[Jesse Marsh]

It's not going to quieten down, is it?

[Adam Leventhal]

He is provocative in the things that he said. Sometimes strategically, this is not going to stop and I don't care if it stops. To be quite honest with you, some people are going to take it more seriously than others. Again, it is going to be a part of the story that is told by these countries. It's going to be a story that's told globally. He is very Good at taking up a lot of the oxygen in the room, which is, I think, what makes him great. I understood even when I was running around back in the 1900s for this country that I love, I feel is the best country in the world. I understood that every single time I went out there. I was the manifestation of all of the insecurity and the inferiority complex and the jealousy that others have relative to my country. It might be the only moment in which they could get something over on the US Was in a soccer game. And that was added baggage that we took on the field. But I also took pride in that and I took motivation in that. And I think that there's other countries that will do that. And, you know, these players here, when it comes to this national team, when they step on the field in 2026, they're going to come with baggage. I do think that there is going to be a unity that comes from this World cup from a US perspective, but there are going to be plenty of people around the world that, because of what the US Represents, are not going to want them win. And guess what? There are going to be people, even in our own country that are Americans, because of political differences that they have, that might not want them to win.

[Jesse Marsh]

One thing that's really stuck out, whilst I've been here in Los Angeles, I've spoken to lots of people that didn't want to go as far as doing an interview about political issues for a range of reasons. Some simply because they didn't want to get involved. Others, including those from immigrant population and different religious backgrounds, were more worried about the actions being threatened by the Trump administration. So they didn't want to expose themselves to any heat. J.T. batson is the CEO and Secretary General of the U.S. soccer Federation.

[Adam Leventhal]

U.S. soccer has a long standing relationship with the federal government, state governments, local governments. You know, we are official partners of the State Department. Anytime there's a transition in D.C. you know, we have to build new relationships with new folks in leadership positions across the State Department, across Treasury, across the White House, whole number of folks. Security, obviously, is a key thing. A lot of the things that are very important for a World cup, like visas and tourists and safety, these are things we work with the government all the time on and so have great relationships at all levels. And I know there's very, very deep and broad commitment to ensure that 26 is a huge success. And also we're focused on 26, but 25 this summer is going to be incredible opportunity of the Gold cup, which I Know, our men's team is pumped about from an opportunity to go win a trophy and prepare for 26. And the FIFA club World cup is going to be incredible opportunity for that as well.

[Jesse Marsh]

U.S. soccer and the rest of the world has to deal with the real Donald Trump, who wasn't here in la. So I went to see Austin Nasso's version instead.

[Adam Leventhal]

It's quite frankly, incredible. We've done more for this nation than any president in history since George Washington.

[Jesse Marsh]

I'm obviously over here covering the soccer. Are you familiar with soccer?

[Adam Leventhal]

You know, soccer, they kick the ball and it's a great sport. It is the European, you know, the Europeans, they made that sport and I'm not too fond of what they're doing over there. They call it football makes no. I don't know why they call it football. They treat us very unfair, the eu, they really do. Really, they're very unfair and we're tariffing them bigly.

[Jesse Marsh]

Austin, I'm going to ask you to step out of your Trump Persona, if that's ok. You've become very popular for your comedy, for your social commentary, especially of Donald Trump.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yes.

[Jesse Marsh]

The saying in England is, if you don't laugh about it, you'll cry.

[Adam Leventhal]

Yeah. I mean, I think it's important to use comedy to bring people together. And I think by. I like to keep my comedy lately, like, it hasn't been very political. It's been pretty, like, politically neutral, where I sort of, like, poke fun at his mannerisms and turn him into, like, sort of a silly character, where I like to keep it so both sides can laugh at it. Because I think if I do that, people come together and both being able to see the funny things and the ridiculousness of him. So I try to not play it too polarizing, but I definitely think for a lot of people, it's therapeutic. And it's like there's this tension between the audience, which is the American public, and what's happening in the White House. And making fun of it is releases that tension. Satire and parodying them creates this mirror of society to the public and lets everyone laugh together to release the stress and anxiety.

[Jesse Marsh]

Thank you very much for speaking to me as Austin, as you and continue your great work. But if you could just leave us with a bit of Donald, if that's okay.

[Adam Leventhal]

Thank you so much for having me athletic. And you know what? You're not that athletic because we've seen you. And quite frankly, you're gonna be running back to the uk, Adam. But thank you for having me. You're tremendous.

[Jesse Marsh]

Joking aside, soccer is going to get a lot more exposure to the disruptions that Trump's policies can bring even before the World Cup. The Club World cup and CONCACAF Gold cup being co hosted by the US And Canada run at the same time this summer. Lace up your boots because this political football is going to be kicked around stateside for the foreseeable future. A World cup divided Trump and 2026 was written and presented by me, Adam Leventhal. Executive Producer was Abby Patterson.

[Adam Leventhal]

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