The Athletic FC Podcast – Episode Summary

Episode Title: A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Hosts and Contributors: Adam Leventhal, Donald Trump, Jesse Marsh, Jean Sebastien Roy, Tim Reen, Phil Labus, Paul Tenorio, Carlos Vela, Javier Aguirre, Alexi Lalas, John Feeley, and others.

1. Introduction: The Intersection of Football and Geopolitics

In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Adam Leventhal delves deep into the complexities surrounding the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Panama. The discussion centers on how the politically charged environment, particularly under President Donald Trump's administration, is shaping the tournament's landscape.

2. Geopolitical Tensions and the Tournament Framework

Adam Leventhal opens the conversation by highlighting the unprecedented geopolitical backdrop of the 2026 World Cup. With the United States, Mexico, Canada, and Panama as hosts, tensions stemming from Trump's stringent trade tariffs and immigration policies are palpable.

Donald Trump (03:10):
"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."

Trump underscores the inseparability of sports and politics, emphasizing that the administration's policies will inevitably influence the tournament.

3. Canada's Struggle and Resilience

Canada, traditionally a close ally of the United States, finds itself at the epicenter of Trump's rhetoric. Trump's derogatory remarks about Canada, including references to annexation and renaming the Gulf of Mexico, have strained bilateral relations.

Donald Trump (03:10 - 03:53):
"I renamed the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America. No hay motivo razon ni justification que support estades. My administration will be reclaiming the Panama Canal."

Despite the tension, Canada's national team has shown remarkable performance on the field. Their victory over the United States in the Nations League Finals is not just a sporting achievement but a symbolic assertion of national pride amidst political adversity.

Jean Sebastien Roy (13:59):
"There are so much more internal belief. 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."

Furthermore, Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has capitalized on this momentum to rally national support and redefine Canada's image on the global stage.

4. Mexico's Rebranding Efforts Amidst Adversity

Mexico is seizing the World Cup as an opportunity to reshape its global image, moving beyond negative stereotypes perpetuated by reports of violence and drug cartels. Trump's attempt to rebrand the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America has only intensified Mexico's resolve to present a more positive and unified front.

Carlos Vela (37:32):
"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."

Mexico's performance in the tournament has been a testament to their determination, with key victories bolstering national pride and fostering a sense of unity among fans and players alike.

5. Panama's Navigational Challenges

Panama, as a co-host, faces its own set of challenges, particularly with Trump's aggressive stance on immigration and his controversial claims about reclaiming the Panama Canal. Despite these obstacles, Panama's national team has performed admirably, signaling their resilience and national pride.

Donald Trump (27:25):
"Panama look to have found a winner. [...] The Canal is Panamanian."

Panama's victory over the United States serves as a morale booster and a political statement against Trump's administration, reinforcing Panama's sovereignty and commitment to its national interests.

6. Impact on Teams and Players

The intertwining of politics and sports has had a profound impact on the participating teams and their players. While players like Jesse Marsh of Canada strive to maintain professionalism on the field, the off-field political tensions add an extra layer of pressure and motivation.

Jesse Marsh (07:21):
"When they count I think it was really important, especially as an American, to stand up for a country that, even though it's not mine, deserves different treatment, better treatment." (07:40)

Players are navigating the fine line between representing their nations and addressing the broader political narratives, with varying degrees of success and support from their respective fan bases.

7. Logistical Hurdles: Visas and Security

One of the significant logistical challenges highlighted in the episode is the administration's visa policies and their impact on tournament attendees. Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown has resulted in lengthy visa wait times, complicating travel plans for international fans and participants.

J.T. Batson, CEO of U.S. Soccer Federation (19:34):
"U.S. soccer has a long-standing relationship with the federal government... Security, obviously, is a key thing."

Efforts are underway to streamline visa processes to accommodate the influx of visitors expected for the World Cup, but uncertainties remain due to the unpredictable nature of political policies.

8. Perspectives from Political Figures and Diplomats

The podcast features interviews with diplomats and political analysts who critique Trump's administration for its handling of international relations and its detrimental effects on global perceptions of the United States.

John Feeley, Retired American Career Diplomat (52:08):
"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."

These insights shed light on the broader implications of Trump's rhetoric and policies, emphasizing the strained diplomatic ties and the potential long-term consequences for international sporting collaborations.

9. Cultural and Social Repercussions

The political climate has fostered a climate of fear and distrust among immigrant communities, particularly those from Mexico and other neighboring countries. This sentiment extends to the sporting arena, where fans and players from these countries navigate a heightened sense of vulnerability.

Deborah Rodriguez (31:37):
"The Trump administration's fight to resume my deportations to a prison in El Salvador resumes."

Such narratives underscore the human impact of political decisions, intertwining personal stories with the larger narrative of national pride and resilience.

10. Conclusion: The Unfolding Story of Sports and Politics

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, The Athletic FC Podcast encapsulates the intricate dance between sports and politics. The tournament is poised to be more than just a showcase of athletic prowess; it is a battleground for national pride, diplomatic relations, and cultural redefinition.

Donald Trump (58:50):
"He is very good at taking up a lot of the oxygen in the room, which is what makes him great... These players here, when it comes to this national team, when they step on the field in 2026, they are going to come with baggage."

The episode concludes with a reflection on the enduring influence of political figures on international sports and the potential for the World Cup to either bridge divides or exacerbate existing tensions.

Notable Quotes:

• Donald Trump (03:10):
  "You can't escape sports and politics. The interaction is always going to be there."

• Jesse Marsh (07:21):
  "It's a professional responsibility, but also a personal attachment to my professional responsibility." (07:40)

• Jean Sebastien Roy (13:59):
  "There's so much more internal belief. The resources are better, but the pride is there."

• John Feeley (52:08):
  "There is not a single Panamanian who thinks this is a good idea."

• Donald Trump (58:50):
  "These players... they are going to come with baggage."

This episode of The Athletic FC Podcast provides a comprehensive exploration of how the 2026 World Cup is navigating the turbulent waters of political division, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sport and its global community.