The world’s game: politics and the World Cup

Even before a game has been played, this year’s World Cup has been the source of controversy. Officials and staff from countries like Iraq, Iran and Somalia have been refused entry or face lengthy interrogation by immigration officials at American airports.  

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been widely criticized for his proximity to U.S. President Donald Trump after presenting Trump with a ‘FIFA Peace Prize’ award and sitting in the front row at Trump’s inauguration. 

For nearly 100 years, leaders across the world have used soccer, and the World Cup specifically, as a tool of power and politics.

David Goldblatt is a journalist, sociologist, professor, and the author of bestselling books such as ‘The Ball is round: A Global History of Soccer.’ He joins the program to discuss the World Cup’s political history, the failed promise of this year's tournament, and how soccer became “our great public and political theatre.” 

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