The Athletic FC Podcast: "How will Trump impact football in the U.S.?" – Detailed Summary

Release Date: January 23, 2025
Hosted by: Ayo Akinwolere
Guests: Felipe Cardenas (Atlanta and Burlington, Vermont), Meg Linehan (Women's Sports Lead), Adam Crafton (Joining later from New York), Will

Introduction

In this episode of The Athletic FC Podcast, host Ayo Akinwolere delves into the multifaceted impact of former President Donald Trump on the landscape of soccer (football) in the United States. With both the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to take place in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the discussion explores Trump's policies, relationships, and the broader implications for American soccer.

Trump's Influence on Major Tournaments

Felipe Cardenas initiates the conversation by assessing Trump's potential impact on upcoming tournaments. He suggests a cautious "wait and see" approach, noting Trump's historical lack of direct association with football. However, Cardenas highlights the intertwining relationships between Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and Saudi Arabia, projecting that these connections could shape the sport's future in the U.S.

"If there's an opportunity for him to find a way to make money off of something or link himself to something that is lucrative, that's going to happen."
— Felipe Cardenas [04:20]

Cardenas also touches upon the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup, emphasizing how these relations could add an additional layer of complexity to the tournament.

Impact on Women's Sports

Transitioning to women's soccer, Ayo raises concerns about Trump's proposed policies, specifically his stance on excluding men from women's sports. Meg Linehan responds by reflecting on the tumultuous relationship between Trump and the U.S. Women's National Team (USWNT), particularly following the 2019 World Cup and the ensuing equal pay dispute.

"The league did not intervene to say, here's what is true. There are no rules being broken in this league. She is able to play. She is eligible to play. We have no problem with her. We stand by our player."
— Meg Linehan [06:39]

Linehan underscores the fragility of the NWSL's policies in the face of Trump's broader policies on gender and sexuality, suggesting that upcoming issues related to transgender players and women's rights will further test the league's values.

Legacy of the World Cup in the United States

Ayo prompts discussion on the legacy of hosting the World Cup, questioning whether the tournament will catalyze soccer's mainstream growth in the U.S. Felipe Cardenas expresses skepticism, noting that past events like the 1994 World Cup failed to sustain soccer's popularity despite infrastructure investments.

"It might just be to what we discussed, a major, major event in the United States where people get rich, where it's a major tournament. It's the first time 48 teams are going to be there. That's going to be the focus."
— Felipe Cardenas [32:42]

Cardenas also brings attention to Trump's executive policies, such as the removal of birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, and how these could adversely affect the diversity and development of the U.S. national teams in the long run.

Influence on MLS and U.S. Soccer Growth

In evaluating the Major League Soccer (MLS), Will discusses the league's current challenges, including low television viewership and limited betting engagement compared to other soccer leagues.

"The domestic league in the United States was the 9th most betted on soccer league."
— Will [36:57]

He criticizes MLS for not capitalizing on the World Cup momentum to enhance its national footprint, suggesting that without strategic investments and effective marketing, MLS may remain relegated to a lower tier in American sports culture.

Felipe Cardenas echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that while attendance is robust in local markets, the lack of national media coverage hinders the league's growth.

"Media issue that MLS has at the moment that people aren't watching it."
— Felipe Cardenas [36:27]

Relationships Between Trump, FIFA, and Infantino

A significant portion of the episode explores the intricate relationships between Trump, Gianni Infantino, and influential business figures like Jared Kushner. Will elaborates on Infantino's adept political maneuvering, comparing his relationship with Trump to Infantino's past interactions with Vladimir Putin during the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

"Infantino being in a strong relationship with the leader of a country that is hosting an event is not a new phenomenon."
— Will [22:17]

Felipe Cardenas delves deeper into the alliance, highlighting Infantino's long-term strategies to secure favorable conditions for hosting major tournaments and the mutual benefits derived from aligning with Trump's platform.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Ayo and his guests acknowledging the uncertain and dynamic nature of Trump's influence on U.S. soccer. While significant challenges loom—ranging from policy-driven impacts on women's sports and immigration to the structural growth of MLS—the overarching sentiment is one of cautious observation.

"It's wait and see. You know, I don't link the growth of football in the United States to a politician or to who the president and head of state is. I mean, that's just never been the case."
— Felipe Cardenas [32:42]

The discussion underscores that while Trump's policies and relationships have the potential to shape the trajectory of soccer in America, the sport's inherent growth struggles and cultural positioning within the U.S. sports ecosystem present formidable obstacles.

Key Takeaways

• Political Interference: Trump's presidency, coupled with his relationships with FIFA and Infantino, could significantly influence the organization and success of major tournaments in the U.S.

• Women's Sports Vulnerability: Policies targeting women's sports may undermine the progress and safety of female athletes, particularly in the NWSL and USWNT.

• MLS Challenges: Limited media exposure and engagement are critical barriers preventing MLS from achieving mainstream acceptance in the American sports hierarchy.

• Legacy Concerns: Hosting the World Cup presents both opportunities and risks, with Trump's policies potentially hindering the long-term growth and diversity of soccer in the U.S.

This comprehensive exploration by The Athletic FC Podcast offers listeners an in-depth analysis of the intersection between politics and sports, particularly how Donald Trump's administration could leave an indelible mark on the future of football in the United States.