Not that long ago there wouldn't have been any need for a letter to say the US would welcome people from any country. Says so much about your President, doesn't it.
Still, Trump must be very comfortable dealing with such a notoriously corrupt organisation as FIFA. Can he offer some cabinet positions? Perfect fit, really.
6
One thing about Donald Trump is, you can't believe in anything he says and you can't trust him to keep his promises.
4
Rather than frame it as a question of why not to give it to the US (and others), why not look at it as a question of why to give it to Morocco? It will be only the second World Cup held in Africa - which is insane when Africa is the largest concentration of devout football fans in the world - and the development potential for the country is huge. It seems a uniquely American mindset that a Moroccan World Cup would be taking something away from them, rather than giving it to someone else.
4
Sounds like the 1936 Berlin Olympics all over again. Briefly sweep the xenophobic and destructive policies under the rug, while nothing changes.
6
Trump won the World Cup for the United States; Obama lost the Olympics for the United States. Maybe Trump’s standing in the world is higher than the Times can admit.
3
I can think of three letters, beginning with "I," that might improve our prospects in this and many other matters, although we might need to work the refs to temporarily include the "letters"
REE
and
ZYHN
in our Modern American Alphabet.
1
Amazing that this would be a joint venture between Canada, Mexico and the US. There is no chance of success. Trump hates Canada and Mexico and is determined to destroy his allies so he can build condos in N Korea. He is supported by the spineless GOP. I tire of hearing their lies.
14
"Countries we support"?
Does North Korea have a vote?
8
.....or Russia.
2
Maybe some new sports could be added to the World Cup - wall scaling and searching for your mother marathon for instance....?
5
How do you spell HYPOCRITE?
4
As a huge soccer fan, I missed the time when nobody in United States cared about it, though FIFA were corrupt ( they said ),
the very least: the World Cup was this most beautiful event where peoples around the world will united for 30 days jumping, laughing ,crying , hugging and so forth ,watching this beautiful game. Now all this geopolitical fight among the west and the “others” is taking a tall in our game
, one every four years is a long time to wait and
Then : having all theses bickering going on . Sad!
FIFA & the World Cup are a business concerned only with the greatest accumulation of wealth possible into the fewest possible hands. Trump’s letters have nothing to do with it. I would prefer they transact their business elsewhere and at someone else’s expense.
3
It would be great to see this happen but please don't trust Trump, he's like Lucy pulling the football away as Charlie Brown is kicking it. Don't reward his bad behavior.
16
As if anything that comes out of the Creamsicles mouth or pen can be believed.
Worse yet, it’s not really what he writes in a letter (drafted by someone else no doubt) with a bunch of xenophobes likely to harass people who would try to attend the World Cup. I’m no fan of FIFA — they’re as corrupt as Trump — but I hope they have some common sense and send the Cup elsewhere.
16
Canada should pull out of the joint bid.
6
No, it will be good for our economy & people will feel safer coming to Canada than to the US.
3
Don't believe a thing he says, every word is a lie.
11
During the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin, Jews and - famously - African-American athletes were allowed to compete (and won not a few medals). That still does not distract from the fact that they were hosted by Hitler's Germany, which only the previous year had stripped non-Aryans of most of their rights as citizens. It seems that authoritarian leaders are always happy to suspend their bigotry for an opportunity to aggrandize themselves.
26
Well said.
5
Will the next U.S. president treat this letter the same way Trump treated the Iran Agreement, a far more consequential and important agreement?
You see? That's the cost of losing trust. Its a two-way street.
15
Trump will be gone by then, perhaps long gone. But the people who buy his message will still be around.
That, plus the greater chance of being shot in our country (and in Mexico by arms from our country), tips the scale in favor of Morocco, I should think.
7
FIFA believes Trump at their own peril. Did they not just see the most petulant, immature, out-of-control tantrum at the G-7 meetings? have they not watched Trump's "style of governance" as he appeals to the most base nativists in America? Trump will say whatever he can to get what he wants and five minutes later, it's 180 degrees and he claims he never said what everyone just saw and heard. I know that FIFA is corrupt, but are they chronically stupid as well?
7
So being beaten, raped and tortured by your husband isn't something Trump or Sessions can empathize with, but playing a game for money is?
17
Oh God, if he can make a buck he'll let in ISIS teams to sit in the bleachers at the stadiums.
Yes, World Football is about money, what a surprise!
15
It defies belief that anybody would rely on a letter from Trump as meaningful. And it is sad but true that Canada and Mexico would be fools to imagine that Trump would not use a successful bid to extort them for some unrelated issues,
16
Hosting the World Cup means lots of money for The Host nation! Show Me The Money! It's one of the components of The Art of The Deal!!!
4
Oh, sort of like how Hitler softened his anti-Jewish regulations for the 1936 Olympics!
30
So, are we to assume Trump is now building a wall with a gate, which he can open and close as he sees fit?
11
I am torn:
As a football fan in the US, I would love to see the World Cup here. Obviously the infrastructure is there
As a football fan, I think Africa deserves the World Cup much more and it should go to Morocco. I also think the US government and football officials deserve a vote against them.
9
Well, Trump will be gone by 2026 and hopefully we'll have less extreme immigration policies.
2
It’s ironic that Trump would soften his immigration stance in order to assure FIFA that a joint US, Canada and Mexico World Cup would fly at the same time as he burns the bridges with those other two. America is the last place that cares about soccer anyway except for its immigrants. Maybe by trying to bring it here shows Trump cares about them more than he’s willing to let on.
4
Given the way Trump has treated the rest of the world, why would they want to come here? Isolation is isolation.
21
Perhaps Trump thinks that terrorism will have been defeated by the time of the FIFA games, and that foreigners will no longer be trying to move here illegally.
None-the-less, a special category should be created for visas for the FIFA games that requires background checks of every applicant no matter his or her nationality, and that gives visitors less time to spend here than other visitor visas. Even with this special visa, anyone who does not have a non-refundable ticket home or money to pay for his or her stay should be denied entry.
The visa program should include biometrics (eg. photos; iris scans; finger prints) and information on where visitors will be staying while here. ICE should immediately be sent to find and deport anyone who does not leave by the time their visa ends. (We could consider requiring visitors to put assets in an escrow account which they would lose, if they do not depart on time.)
People can currently apply for asylum at anytime up to a year after entering the U.S. We should change this to require anyone who wants asylum to apply upon entering the country, unless circumstances in their home country suddenly change after they have arrived.
Makes sense. You work on that, and I'll tell my travel agent to make reservations in Morocco.
6
Everything the moron-in-chief does is unexpected. Therefore, all unexpected steps by Trump should be expected. The people should also know that Trump is so shallow that his ulterior motives in his actions are easily discernible.
14
Wow, whatever drugs have you people been taking to think you have even a clue as to whether anything Trump says has any basis in truth or fact? Please, for our sake, just print what he does and not what he says. Thank you.
11
More pressing is the need for US sponsors and viewers to boycott or blackout Russia 2018, they are a hostile enemy that attacked our elections and are undermining our rule of law through a vichy puppet regime.
It's an act that would be obvious and without question during any other time in our country's history. The fact that this is startlingly absent from any discussions is a statement to how far America's dignity has fallen.
4
If the genocidal homophobic dictator of Russia, Vlad Putin, can host, anyone can host. It's just a matter of bribing FIFA.
19
Allowing foreigners to visit US and watch soccer isn’t really “softening of immigration stance” as long as legal immigrants wait 30 years for a green card and children are separated at the border from their parents for crossing illegally
8
Who would believe anything Donald says or any reassurances he gives? Five hundred days in office and in excess of 3000 lies publicly told. That is certainly a world record. And there are probably scores of private lies.
13
Trump just insulted, in course terms, the Prime Minister of Canada. He wants Mexico to pay for his "Wall" while deporting Mexican immigrants who are legally here, tears apart their families. and has ICE agents lurking in normally innocent places, like schools, to trap immigrants.
Trump has repeatedly shown a real disdain for all things European, or even of the world outside the U.S., and this would include soccer. Oddly, he favors only countries controlled by dictators, only some of which play soccer.
So why would he want the World Cup so much? Well, there must be money in it for him. Maybe athletes must stay at Trump Hotels. Maybe his companies are building the facilities. He hasn't signed a letter to FIFA saying not one cent from the event will go to him, his family, his companies, his shell companies or his friends.
But the biggest concern is that FIFA believes Trump is a man of his word. Three letters with his oversize signature guarantee nothing. He's notorious for his turnabouts. He might let visitors and teams from "suspect" countries in, then sequester them in certain hotels and certain parts of stadiums, under heavy guard.
And what if the teams themselves, and their supporters, boycott the U.S., a distinct possibility. Wouldn't make much of a World Cup.
FIFA should hold the event in a country without hate for other countries -- somewhere civil and safe. Perhaps Canada.
17
No tolerance for the intolerant
Walk away now
No 1936 Berlin Nazi Olympics
22
Do they understand they are dealing with a compulsive liar? And after the pathetic G7 performance to what degree will Mexico and Canada be willing to work with US?
12
So, welcomes fans from Iran etc with open arms, then releases the hounds the second the winner raises the cup aloft.
Has a distinctly Montgomery Burns tinge to it.
7
Unfortunately, I’d be very surprised if this succeeds. First of how, how can the FIFA officials be convinced that the Trump administration wouldn’t discriminate against visitors and athletes? In addition to the fact that he’s so erratic and undependable, he even discriminates against minorities who are US citizens. There’s no reason to believe that he would stick by his word.
Also, since he’s been insulting Mexico and Canada on a regular basis lately, they might not be interested in this joint venture anymore. A joint venture between the three countries that involves Soccer should either be held in Canada or Mexico instead of the US in any case since the sport is more popular in both of those countries!
6
Go, Canada!
5
This year world cup is held in Russia. The 2022 world cup will be held in Qatar. FIFA won't hesitate to hold the 2026 world cup in Trump stadiums across America as long as it makes money from it.
As for Trump's letters, they are obviously not worth the ink on them. Trump is demonstrably untrustworthy. His reference to the 1994, 1996 and 2002 events as somehow representative of an extrapolation of the current USA situation is - sadly - laughable. He also seems to believe he can mold laws as he wishes.
In the end, the three letters that will bring the world cup to North America are USD (in large amounts).
17
I saw a headline about immigration, this has nothing to do with that. They will be tourists, and only from countries who earn their way into the soccer tourney.
1
Not sure what you mean. Tourism and immigration are very much tied together in the current US travel ban. For example, all travel to the US (including tourism) is currently banned for Iranians with the exception of student visas. Mr Trump is now saying special provisions for travel to the US will be made if a banned country (such as Iran) qualifies for the World Cup. This might allay concerns ahead of tomorrow’s vote on the 2026 venue. But it hardly makes it a simple plan to carry out should the US win.
2
Trump has had few problems with visitors, save from terrorist states. He wishes to restrict immigration, which is a very very good idea, and 65% of Americans agree with him. We have always welcomed visitors, and this will occur during the WC.
3
Re your comment about welcoming visitors. I am white and British and even I do not feel welcome in the US since Trump has been president.
16
FIFA operates on bribery and corruption. With Trump involved you can practically guarantee it will be here in 2026.
7
Oh yes. Let's let the Abuser in Chief make nice to the World Cup market and let them all into the US. But he wouldn't raise a finger to protest Jeff Sessions' latest interpretation of immigration law that says domestic violence and fear of gang-related violence is not a valid reason for asylum. He doesn't care that this ruling will lead to thousands of women's deaths.
As one commenter said, I want my country back.
28
Yes... we want our country back! Not too far from where I live- and, at this very moment- children are being ripped from their parents...and DACA kids and young adults are being harassed! Is this what our country has become? Seriously?!
7
I am a huge soccer fan, and it's worth noting that FIFA voters tend to be more swayed by bribes than by meaningless assurances, hence the awarding of the games to Russia and (worse) Qatar. The United States is an obvious choice for host as its existing stadiums can accommodate such an event, and I'd expect that our money-launderer-in-chief can handle the bribery piece.
I doubt the president knows the difference between a touch line and a penalty kick, but in his typical fashion, sees profit for the family business. Dark-skinned visitors are ok as long as they are forking over large amounts of cash in family-owned hotels and leave when the games are over.
6
Is it possible that certain Hotel properties in North America would greatly benefit the WH occupant and his family from such World Cup events?
7
More like the anti-world cup.
Trump's America has no interest in large tracts of the world.
In fact holds them in disdain.
19
The notion of foreign states attacking US generosity "towards visitors" is risible. We're not talking about "visitors" or "guests;" visitors and guests go home. We have a huge problem with massive illegal immigration, and that anyone should attack the US for seeking to uphold the rule of law and maintain its sovereignty is ludicrous. Let us also remember that the US is the MOST GENEROUS COUNTRY ON EARTH WHEN IT COMES TO IMMIGRATION. Every year we accept more immigrants than all the other countries on earth combined. And it is sheer effrontery to attack us on these grounds. Most of those who complain -- Mexico included -- limit the numbers they take; have racist immigration policies (no immigrant to Mexico may ever hold political office), and illegals (most from Central America) are treated with incredible brutality by Mexican law enforcement. The US has nothing of which to be ashamed. It is only lunatics who believe with doing away with our borders who could make such a case. As regards Muslim countries -- there are 57 majority-Muslim states and a mere 6 are on Trump's ban list (the same states that were on Obama's). Some are on the State Department's "Terror Watch List" and the others are failed states which do not control wide swaths of their own territory and therefore cannot conclude the appropriate protocols for visas for their citizens. If the US has a problem with immigration it is that it is far too generous.
6
the best-case scenario is the least dictatorial among the contenders [canada, at present] winning. but mexico would be cool this time, too, wouldn't it? even though, as the article correctly reminds us, djt would no longer be potus in 2026 - unless ...
3
How on earth can this guy expect to be awarded a joint hosting of the Cup after the way he treated Canada and Mexico? Is he learning impaired??? A more just - and hilarious - solution would be for Mexico and Canada to be awarded the Cup, and the States be merely a flyover territory.
20
Hopefully those 3 letters have big checks in them, as I thought getting the WC involved how much you bribed FIFA officials.
7
This is a sick joke. I wouldn't trust Trump as far as I could throw him. This is the same person whose vindictiveness is so contagious and frightening that NIKE refused to outfit the Iranian National Soccer Team just weeks before the tournament's commencement, meaning that Iran's footballers will have to switch gear at short notice.
Iran has enough problems facing Spain and Portugal in the Group B qualifying stage (!) without needing additional political obstacles.
So what happens in 2026 if Iran qualifies again, Israel and Saudi Arabia renew their fake news campaign against Iran and the team and its fans face inordinate obstacles or outright rejection at immigration?
I for one am totally opposed to the staging of ANY international event on U.S. soil as long people like Trump, Bolton and other Neocons decide U.S. foreign policy. There is no guarantee that the U.S. Administration in 2026, even one run by Democrats, will be able to counter the strength of AIPAC, the Evangelicals and other extremist lobbying groups.
13
Trump's term ends in 2021...he'll have to pull a lot more rabbits out of his hat to get a second term. North Korea, an, as-yet, undone deal, will not be enough.
3
Given how quick President Trump has been to abandon so many of the previous administration's policies, what is to say to the next admin won't do exactly the same thing? What is say the travel restrictions won't be worse? Or that America's word carries all that much trust?
4
There's also a "none of the above" option on the vote tomorrow. So it's possible that neither Morocco or the US/Mex/Can group will be granted the bid. If that happens, the bid is reopened but Morocco and the US/Mex/Can Federations are excluded. They way things are going this past year or so, it would not surprise me if this is how things shake out.
6
What is intriguing about this article is what is missing, using a style which is descriptive but does not adequately explain what readers need to both now and to understand. Nowhere in this article is FIFA's (past?) corruption noted. As for "guarantee," and "we are confident," what can these words mean in an ever-present reality of uncertainty. Random outcomes. Unpredictability. Lack of total control whatever the types, levels and efforts of any person as well as system. Lastly, what creates believability in the written and signed letters of Trump, as POTUS, setting aside for the moment who and what he has been, and is as a person, when also compared with his daily electronic twitterings?
5
Hotels, stadiums, training sites? The World Cup is not only a sports event, it's a business opportunity. Trump will no longer be in office and free(er) to capitalize on that opportunity. As president, his leaning on countries to support the USA bid is not surprising.
12
I love soccer, and I’ll probably go an extra hundred miles to promote it. While I find president’s move to host 2026 World Cup Soccer here in North America is a welcome gift with the assurance from the POTUS that “ … all eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter the United States without discrimination”, I am now doubly hopeful that the President would extend the same courtesy to all those who want to make America their home. Thank you, Mr. President.
However, how would Canada and Mexico handle this after they were unnecessarily mistreated on NAFTA deal that benefits all three handsomely since its inception? How would Justine Trudeau handle this after being insulted by the President for no apparent reason?
12
Since we are already heavily over populated almost nobody is welcome to come here, especially the poor and unskilled.
you ignore the fact that are own citizens are often poor, uneducated and unskilled that's why we have a reality show host for president.
Canada, Mexico and the US??? The travel between only US venues was punishing to players and fans when we hosted them alone. I can only wonder at the distances with our neighbors also involved. As we will have a new president with what I hope will be a more tolerant and cooperative nature, I'm not sure all the current occupant of the White House's views will still prevail. He should only undo the damage as his first acts in office. For our own sakes as well, mind you.
8
The letter states that visas will be issued "subject to eligibility under U.S. law." That makes any "assurances" completely meaningless. Under current U.S. law (thanks to Trump's travel ban), most citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea are barred from entering the U.S. The letter provides no assurances that players from those countries will be allowed to enter the U.S. if their teams qualify for the World Cup.
76
I love soccer and love the World Cup, for me the best sporting event, truly a global affair, bar none. But, if it be awarded to the US I hope that athletes from countries that qualify would boycott their participation, even if their Federations do not.
29
A deeply flawed and racist political leader declares "all will be welcome" in a bid to lure a major global sporting event to his country. Now, where have I heard that before? Oh, right... https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1933/06/08/105141485.html?...
35
No country should participate and should boycott all events, so long as their citizens are on a banned list.
It is hypocritical to expect countrymen and women to cheer for their ''special'' sports contributors as they press their faces up to the glass of the country they are not allowed to visit.
8
Considerations of sporting events as a basis for immigration policy is pretty absurd.
6
As a Canadian I have to ask: after all that Trump has done in the past few days, how can this "three amigo" World Cup still be a thing? It would make more sense for the US to throw its lot in with North Korea. Canada and the US may well be at war long before 2026.
36
Oh, my dear Canadian friend, I apologize again for the vile, juvenile, rude, and downright stupid actions of the man who claims to represent all the people of the US. My neighbor, please know that not all Americans (indeed, most Americans did not vote for him) approve of his lies, pettiness, ignorance, and insults. And we recognize his total incompetence and inability to govern a great nation. Please bear with us as we ride out this ugly footnote in US history. Hopefully the national (and global) nightmare will end soon without as much damage as we all fear. I hope we can all remain friends through this disaster. Thanks for caring.
11
As if anyone in their right minds would come to the United States these days.
24
You say that we are not hospitable to foreign visitors? Huh?? Is that why international tourism to the USA is that all time high?
3
That's not true. International tourism to the US is down 2% since 2016.
12
Facts are so inconvenient when it's so much easier to simply believe whatever you want to. Nevertheless, the FACT is that "International arrivals to the United States were down 4 percent in the first three quarters of 2017, Trump’s first year in office, according to the most recent data available from the United States." Everywhere else in the world international tourism is indeed booming, but nobody wants to come to the U.S. If only the deplorables would do their homework --
Reuters (March 9. 2018) -- U.S. Fails to Keep Pace with Global Tourism Boom, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-travel/u-s-fails-to-keep-pa...
9
Uh, last I checked, international tourism is down from its record high in 2015, but hey, why let facts stand in the way of your argument?
5
The price of hosting the 2026 world cup, 8 years from now is allowing civilized visitors from all the countries to the world cup enter the US legally with vetting and ensuring they return to their respective countries has to be paid. No country can allow the entry of criminals and terrorists or a bunch of goons with a history of carrying out mayhem and who follow their country's soccer teams all around the globe and create blood and fury against a competing team.
7
I did not know there were terrorists, criminals and goons that followed soccer teams around the globe.
3
You don't follow British soccer, do you?
2
As usual, Trump wants it both ways; draconian immigration laws to appeal to the white nationalists, and a welcome mat out for an event that he believes will add to his dubious prestige.
FIFA should be boycotting negotiations with the US for the duration of the Trump administration; however, since they're almost as corrupt as Trump is, they'll probably make some backroom deal. Maybe all the athletes will have to stay at Trump hotels, at quadruple the going rate. It goes without saying that Ivanka will get the license for a FIFA clothing line.
If they can't reach a deal, Trump will start calling them 'the failing World Cup,'--"their ratings have tanked! My ratings on The Apprentice were much higher!"
43
It’s inconceivable that in this day and age, such a notion would be raised. Is this the retro-Jim Crow era a la Trump?
How much more shame — and hyper-hypocrisy — must we endure?
Let the upcoming ballot speak loudly (hopefully, of course, without Russian interference and FB bunkum).
9
Another leader in deep need of constant validation hosted the premier world sporting event but in 1936. By providing this specific platform to show off FIFA would simply signing up as a world wide enabler of propaganda.
20
Well, you have to wonder if FIFA is gullible enough to believe the lines from Lord of the Lies or will the lure of opportunity to be bribed and pandered to be enough for one of the corruptest organizations in sport to say yes. Considering the depths of deparvity that these 2 entities, FIFA and the WH wallow in, it woudn't surprise me if they found that this is a match made in heaven.
24
Ah, the power of $$$ and corruption. Can't imagine why the world countries would what to come here, many will still have to clime the "WALL" to get in.
18
Surely, FIFA's leaders must see in Trump a kindred spirit for their own bottomless venality and turpitude. This is the one deal I have no doubt Trump could close (and the only one, for that matter).
15
It is a sad day in America when the concerns raised here have to be seriously considered: to many guns everywhere, getting in and out of the country without hassle by teams and their fans at our invitation, displaying your team's national flag, the singing of anthems.
America is now an idea on a piece of paper but not much more.
42
It is critical this president act now to bring soccer's premier event to this country. It would be a singular help to millions of Americans who have trouble falling asleep.
7
Of course, it is the one sport where you can pick up a souvenir, get a snack, go to the bathroom, and retunr to your seat wihtout having missed a thing.
And what are sporting events, really, other than an excuse to eat bad food?
1
If anyone takes the time to look at all the countries that have hosted the World Cup they would see that immigration friendly or unfriendly is not an issue. This is no more than sensationalist Trump bashing news.
3
I guess this ostrich hasn't noticed the racist stuff going on in Russia around the games.
2
Unfortunately, these efforts will be in vain. The rest of the world understand that what Trump says is one thing and what he does is another, unimaginable, thing. They are not so stupid as to see his carrot, however beautifully and carefully prepared, but not the stick.
14
I love World Cups, and cannot be more excited about one hosted by Mexico, Canada and the US... however, I would have thought that Mr. Trump's anti Mexican sentiment would include soccer.
6
These people believe he's telling the truth? Where the heck have they been??
36
They don't believe he's telling the truth. They believe they'll make a profit regardless.
3
Trump's tweet includes, "It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. "
Exactly which countries are those? Any left?
61
Hundreds, as it turns out. Or do you take the NYT op-ed section literally? Bless your heart.
https://explorer.usaid.gov/aid-dashboard.html
Russia.
5
As usual, given one or more choices, "covfefe" makes the most awful and corrupt one possible. Instead of giving legions of football fans special treatment for a limited time to distract from his actual bigotry—shades of how xi censors China's internet except to favored rich visitors from abroad—he ought to apologize to Pablo Villavicencio, the man who he apparently wants deported for the heinous crime of not groveling to ICE often enough and instead delivering pizza while Ecuadoran to support our troops.
8
Ugh. I agree with Steve Somers of WFAN who said his people left Europe to escape the oppression of soccer. It's a completely corrupt sport, riven with cheating players, referees, officials from organizations like FIFA who look the other way at such antics, and fans who are not rarely, but commonly violent, even murderous, who show where their name derived from: fanatics. Any American sport league behaving as FIFA does would at least be the subject of a congressional investigation and calls for sanctions.
And let's be quite frank: soccer is not "the beautiful game." It's boring to watch.
6
the wise say never trust trump!
trump sees billions of dollars for him in hosting!
12
The hypocrisy is palpable.....
10
Incredible.
Have these fools not noticed that trump's word usually means that he thinks you are gullible.
18
What would, or could, happen if the World Cup heads to this country. Just think of all of those people from Latin America that may over stay their visas, or ask for asylum and the ruling from Sessions precludes that. What of the people from the Middle East? Israelis are welcome, Saudis also, but, Iraqis will not?
Our sad a distorted views of people who practice different faiths, who are not white (save for those from Israel) will be put to the test-are we really past our bigotry and racism and will welcome all?
5
DT will not be president in 2026. Power to make the decision contemplated here should be with congress (I. E., legislative power) in order to avoid the changing application or execution of immigration laws.
Further, it's ironic and contradictory for DT to lobby for the World Cup being hosted in the USA, as immigration laws DT has been espousing are inherently contradictory to his base's immigration beliefs. Do we really believe the administration that tried to initiate a Muslim ban, rails against Latinos and 'prefers' immigration for European /white is all of a sudden keen on letting Africans and central Americans and Muslims in as FANS to a soccer game?
16
No country should participate and should boycott all events, so long as their citizens are on a banned list.
It is hypocritical to expect countrymen and women to cheer for their ''special'' sports contributors as they press their faces up to the glass of the country they are not allowed to visit.
10
I am in total agreement with you, FunkyIrishman.
4
If he has an ulterior motive for doing somehitng, then it's not "unexpected."
7
"The next president could revoke such an executive agreement with the stroke of a pen and future Congresses could modify the terms of the agreement at any time." - Senator Tom Cotton, R-AR, March 9, 2015
7
"On March 9 he (trump) wrote to Mr. Infantino expressing his support for the North American bid in “the spirit of continental partnership.”"
As exemplified by trump at the G-7 meeting
13
Don't trust the USA on anything that it says. Go to some other country that you can trust.
12
hey as long as there is money to be made - stay at a trump hotel!!! you know the rest....
11
"all eligible athletes, officials and fans from all countries around the world would be able to enter"
Does no one notice the operative word, "eligible?"
28
Trump will be long gone from office by the time the 2026 World Cup takes place (hopefully 5 years, not just 1), but I'm sure that if it ends up here, he will continue to take credit for everything good that happens and blame others for everything bad.
If we don't win tomorrow, the blame rests solely with Trump, but he will blame everyone else and threaten the countries that did not vote for us. And if we win, he will take all of the credit. I am truly embarrassed to be an American.
9
FIFA has historically been one of the most corrupt organizations in the world.
There is no way that Trump and FIFA will not be magnetically attracted to each other's dark spirits.
Two peas in a polluted pod.
66
I'd like to see the visa tracking system set up in time for this. It would be good to know how many overstays occur.
4
Victims of domestic abuse and rape can rot while Trump courts soccer fans and a corrupt governing body. These priorities are truly perverse.
22
I’m unsure how I’d feel about the promise of not making a sports event or attendance in a US venue political when he’s made other sports highly, not to mention unnecessarily, political. Would it be another NFL-like issue?
9
How horrible this xenophobic president had to write letters pledging to welcome people from all countries--even "shxxhole" countries--when only a year and a half ago, such letters wouldn't have been necessary.
63
I think the best way to get to Word Cup to the US is to bribe FIFA officials they way everyone else does. I am sure bribery is well within Trump's standard repertoire so there will not be any painful learning curve like we have had on international trade negotiations.
87
It's doubtful Cohen has the time for that right now.
5
Yes, what a perfect combination- FIFA, the world's most corrupt sports organization and Donald Trump, perhaps the most corrupt individual to lead a first world country.
I wonder which bank they will use to launder all the bribe money?
9
He's truly the Concierge to the globe (I recently heard a quote where he said "we've got a world to manage"). Rock on!
2
He's more like Inspector Clouseau.
6
So Trump's a globalist after all.
3
But will individual athletes of conscience participate, if they feel that they are getting special treatment that is not available to their countrymen?
59
You mean take a knee to show respect?
2
Trump is now hoping to win something that would be a joint effort with Mexico and Canada? What a mockery. As an American, I will be extremely disappointed if the 2026 FIFA World Cup is awarded to our country. Furthermore, even getting athletes and visitors into our now unfriendly country will require all manner of special action. Truly, this feels a mockery.
74
As a player and former FIFA (kids level) referee I want the Cup here, but I’d want all the players to be comfortable coming to an overly welcoming loving others event in my country. I’m not confident that would be the situation if God forbid there is another four years of #45 to endure.
2