The biggest impact of this year’s World Cup might ultimately be felt by the sport of football itself, and the repercussions could be lasting.
As we reach the halfway point of the 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup, fans are experiencing a mix of highs and lows. On the positive side, the quality of many matches has been impressive, with Lionel Messi showcasing his skill even at the age of 39. Notably, all three host nations—the United States, Mexico, and Canada—have advanced to the next stage of the tournament.
A standout moment of the tournament was Ecuador’s stunning 2-1 victory over four-time champions Germany, marking their place in the knockout round. This match made Ecuador only the second Latin American team, after Mexico, to defeat Germany in the group stage of a World Cup. Watching the jubilant fans in the stands, moved to tears, epitomizes the spirit of the FIFA World Cup—at least, that’s how it should be.
#2026WorldCup — #Ecuador triumphed over Germany 2–1 to secure a spot in the Round of 32.
Following the match, Ecuador’s head coach Sebastián Beccacece celebrated alongside fans in the stands. pic.twitter.com/QiyVrhabP9
— Antifa_Ultras (@ultras_antifaa) June 25, 2026
However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has also become a spotlight on financial gain, with FIFA poised to reap substantial profits from the tournament, capitalizing on the lucrative revenue streams it controls. Despite its working-class roots, football has transformed into the world’s highest-grossing sport, heavily influenced by corporate interests.
The Trump administration, as previously warned, has already inflicted significant damage on the event, particularly regarding its treatment of the Iranian national football team and its visa policies towards fans and referees. The Iranian squad has been restricted from staying overnight in the U.S., forcing them to fly back and forth for matches from Tijuana, putting them at a significant disadvantage. Yet, despite the odds, Iran remains in contention for the next round, having drawn its first two matches—a feat that would be noteworthy if achieved.
Meanwhile, the punitive measures from Washington continue…
It’s incredibly draining for the Iranian team, and it’s time for other nations to rally in support. This treatment is outrageous and deeply unjust. https://t.co/Yjt0UQldmL
— Leyla Hamed (@leylahamed) June 24, 2026
In an ironic twist noted by NC reader Taufiq Al-Thauwry, the appointment of Giovanni “Gianni” Infantino as FIFA CEO in 2016 was intended to remedy the ongoing corruption scandals that plagued the organization under Sepp Blatter. Yet, the situation today seems just as grim:
The shift from old-school corruption to actions like supporting genocide and war, deporting referees, and visa restrictions is troubling.
The Cradle aptly refers to this event as the “World Cup of Exclusion,” highlighting the issues stemming from intrusive security measures, onerous visa regulations, and exorbitant ticket prices. International fans have faced challenges in securing entry, while numerous delegations have encountered excessive restrictions.
Alfred Archer, an associate professor of philosophy at Tilburg University, states:
“It’s crucial to recognize how the U.S. government is utilizing the World Cup as a demonstration of its border power and political control. However, this cannot be disentangled from the fact that the World Cup should symbolize global celebration, sport, and community.”
Disfiguring the “Beautiful Game”
The real tragedy of this year’s World Cup may ultimately be the sport of football itself, as the changes implemented threaten its very nature. Without significant pushback from players and fans, the damage could become irreversible. The “beautiful game” has already faced unwelcome alterations, primarily driven by profit maximization, since the start of this tournament. Notably, the introduction of mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the 22nd and 67th minutes of each half—regardless of weather conditions—has left coaches, players, and supporters underwhelmed.
Paraguay’s coach, Gustavo Alfaro, has vocally criticized these so-called “hydration breaks,” suggesting they should only occur in extreme conditions. According to Reuters:
“Football’s continuity is being compromised. These breaks should be agreed upon by both teams in cases of heat, but they disrupt the flow of the game.”
During a press conference, he expressed concerns that these breaks serve commercial interests rather than the fans—a sentiment echoed by many in the football community. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended these interruptions as purely for player welfare.
Yet skepticism remains. France’s coach Didier Deschamps criticized the breaks, arguing they disrupt the rhythm of the game, particularly if one team is on a roll.
“It’s beneficial for networks because it allows for advertising breaks, but three minutes can totally alter the dynamics of a match,” he commented.
Jürgen Klopp, former Liverpool manager, expressed similar frustrations, stating:
“Football is being held hostage by executives in air-conditioned offices. These hydration breaks are presented as a concern for player welfare, but they are merely a means to benefit sponsors. Watching players standing idle during these stoppages makes me question who the World Cup truly serves—supporters, players, or advertisers?”
FIFA’s decision to implement hydration breaks coincided with a meeting in Washington with major broadcasters, indicating a strong commercial motive behind the changes. Moreover, Conmebol has also adopted similar pauses in its tournaments, further indicating a trend.
For FIFA and its affiliates, the benefits of these breaks are clear; they represent a lucrative financial opportunity amid rising advertising revenues. As detailed in a report, networks like FOX Sports have invested heavily in acquiring broadcasting rights and have a vested interest in maximizing their ad revenue.
As global consumer brands thrive on this new structure, they see it as an avenue to deepen their influence on football audiences. The eventual goal is to introduce similar changes in European leagues, perpetuating the “Americanization” of the sport.
In the grand scheme, U.S. sports bodies are renowned for maximizing viewing revenue by saturating broadcasts with commercials. The NFL, for instance, often features multiple breaks throughout a game, significantly impacting viewers’ experience.
The expansion of U.S. influence in football is well-documented, with numerous American tycoons gaining control over European clubs or leagues. This trend raises concerns that the essence of football—its rhythm and continuity—may be fundamentally altered for profit.
As Marcelo Bielsa, the Uruguay coach, aptly puts it, the introduction of hydration breaks represents a “cultural shift” that “adds nothing” positive to the game.
Ultimately, the direction in which football is headed raises questions about the preservation of its core spirit amidst mounting commercial pressures.
