Skip to main content
institutional access

You are connecting from
Lake Geneva Public Library,
please login or register to take advantage of your institution's Ground News Plan.

Published loading...Updated

USA Today Columnist Says United States Has Already 'Lost' the World Cup because of Politics, Donald Trump

Nancy Armour says visa problems, security concerns and referee disputes show the United States has already damaged the tournament’s image, despite 103 matches still to be played.

  • On Wednesday, USA Today columnist Nancy Armour wrote that the United States has "already lost" this World Cup, arguing the nation is living up to its "ugly Americans" reputation instead of displaying the best of the country.
  • Armour decried political interference as a key factor, citing visa denials for Iranian team administrators and the "dubious" barring of Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was expected to officiate World Cup matches.
  • Ticket price gouging further fueled criticism, with NYC mayoral candidate Mamdani calling $6,000 final-game tickets "ABSURD," while Armour accused leaders of exploiting the sport for top dollar rather than welcoming the world.
  • Labeling the event a "once-in-a-generation opportunity" missed, Armour warns the legacy will be one of "shame" rather than global connection, characterizing the hosting approach as that of a "hateful and greedy nation."
  • Despite the criticism, tournament play continues with 103 matches remaining, including the U.S. Men's National Team's debut on Friday against Paraguay in the Los Angeles area.
Insights by Ground AI
Podcasts & Opinions

38 Articles

Beatrice Daily SunBeatrice Daily Sun
+29 Reposted by 29 other sources
Center

United States has already lost World Cup with its greed and hostility

This opportunity to showcase the best of the United States and embrace the joy that soccer brings the rest of the world and, instead, we chose to be ugly Americans.

Center

FIFA’s binding guarantees accepted by the US in hosting the World Cup are in direct conflict with its harsh immigration policy and multiple denials of access to the country

·Spain
Read Full Article

The World Cup has only just begun, but it's already starting to smell like trouble. It's about abuse of power, corruption, and greed. Everything that's hard to bear, even for people who wake up at four in the morning to watch football.

Even before the start of the competition, the image of the country is tarnished. Unable to welcome all the players of the World, charging the show at a price of gold, ...

Think freely.Subscribe and get full access to Ground NewsSubscriptions start at $9.99/yearSubscribe
Father's Day SaleGet 40% off Vantage subscriptions for yourself or a friend.Get Started

Bias Distribution

  • 85% of the sources are Center
85% Center

Factuality Info Icon

To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium

Ownership

Info Icon

To view ownership data please Upgrade to Vantage

Agência Pública broke the news on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Too Big Arrow Icon
Sources are mostly out of (0)

Similar News Topics

News
Feed Dots Icon
For You
Search Icon
Search
Blindspot LogoBlindspotLocal