The phrase "sportswashing" describes how politicians and governments attempt to enhance their damaged reputations through athletic events. While the term became popular in the 2010s, the concept has been around for much longer: For instance, when Italy organized the 1934 FIFA World Cup, fascist leader Benito Mussolini, also known as Il Duce, sought to leverage the event for his political purposes.
In a sharp article released by the London-based iPaperOn July 31, sports journalist James Gray highlights that U.S. President Donald Trump might encounter resistance if he attempts to leverage the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Philadelphia or the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles for personal promotion and "sportswashing."
Before the upcoming election," Gray explains, "Trump's America will organize the two most significant sporting events globally: the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. And this won't be the first instance where Trump has involved himself in sports for political gain… The U.S. will not win the World Cup. No one, not even Trump, is convinced of that. However, Trump will still aim to win the World Cup. With his approval rating in the U.S. hitting an all-time low, he needs a victory.
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Dr. Jules Boykoff, a political science professor and former professional soccer player, stated to the iPaper that if Trump attempts to leverage the World Cup or the Olympics for his personal political agenda, it "falls directly under the concept of sportswashing."
Boykoff stated, "If sportswashing refers to leaders utilizing sports and major sporting events to divert focus from domestic social issues while attempting to enhance their global reputation and gain public legitimacy, then yes, that's exactly what it is. In fact, I believe this is one of the overlooked aspects in many conversations about sportswashing—that it's simple to criticize others (other nations) without reflecting on our own actions."
Gray expresses concerns that Trump might leverage "the World Cup and the Olympics" to challenge the (U.S.) Constitution and seek an unprecedented third term.
Dr. Andrei Markovits, a political science professor at the University of Michigan, spoke with iPaper, stating, "Trump is a person—and this is a significant benefit—who lacks any sense of shame. Ignorance isn't embarrassing. Incompetence isn't embarrassing. Making extreme statements isn't embarrassing. He isn't concerned about mistakes that don't cost him anything. The World Cup, there's absolutely no risk involved. Unless he were to punch Lionel Messi or something similar, there's nothing he could do that would truly hurt him."
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Markovits pointed out, nevertheless, that certain MAGA Republicans could feel upset if Trump strongly supports the World Cup.
While soccer is the most widely followed sport globally — spanning countries like Argentina, Scotland, France, and the Netherlands — certain right-wing commentators criticize it as a symbol of identity politics. Writer Ann Coulter and Fox News' Sean Hannity are recognized for their negative remarks about soccer.
Markovits said to iPaper, "Trump relates to Joe Six Pack, who dislikes soccer and views it as a very feminine activity. Soccer in the United States is divided. It is, indeed, Latino, which, naturally, Trump opposes. However, it is also popular among upper-middle-class whites."
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Read the complete iPaper articleat this link.
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