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Will Trump's tariff war with Canada and Mexico tarnish the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is clouded with uncertainty as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs and border policies. The harmony of the three host countries, a once-effective message, is now being put to the test.

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Edited By: Nishika Jha
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The 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is clouded with uncertainty as a result of President Donald Trump's tariffs and border policies. The harmony of the three host countries, a once-effective message, is now being put to the test. Trump's tariffs have triggered trade wars between the neighbors, and Canada and Mexico have retaliated with their own. The drama is compounded by Trump's bombastic threats of making Canada the 51st state.

Will the world show up?

As much as the tensions are mounting, analysts estimate that the World Cup will also still draw many people. The example of earlier World Cups that took place in Russia and Qatar can be noted where attendance exceeded 3 million people each amid the controversies associated with the hosting countries.

The impact of Trump's policies

While others fear Trump's policies will discourage tourists and athletes from going to the World Cup, there are those who feel the event will be spared the tariffs and travel ban. Andrew Zimbalist, a sports economics professor, opines that Trump will grant an exception to the World Cup in order not to tarnish his image.

A conversation starter?

Gabriela Cuevas, Mexico's representative at meetings with FIFA, sees the tariffs and the soccer event as two different matters. She sees the World Cup as an opportunity to sit down and talk, as a way to be able to sit with each other and better understand one another as countries.
 

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