With just one week to go until the World Cup winner is crowned, the tournament has been overshadowed by an extraordinary intervention from Donald Trump that has shocked the football world, according to global sports business correspondent Matt Hughes.
Trump's involvement sparks controversy
Speaking to Lucy Hough, Hughes detailed how the former US president's actions have tarnished the event, raising questions about the intersection of politics and sports. The intervention came amid ongoing discussions about the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Impact on the tournament's legacy
Hughes noted that Trump's move has diverted attention from the on-field action, with fans and officials expressing concern over the politicization of the global event. The timing, just before the final, has amplified the backlash.
"It's unprecedented for a political figure to intervene so directly in a World Cup," Hughes said. "This has cast a shadow over what should be a celebration of football."
