Soccer historian David Goldblatt said how political leaders use the sport to project power and build nations in a CBC Front Burner interview today.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the intersection of sports and statecraft highlights how global events are often used for diplomatic leverage and internal legitimacy. The tournament is jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico [1].
Goldblatt said that political leaders have used soccer for more than 100 years [2] to shape a sense of belonging and national identity. By aligning themselves with the world's most popular game, leaders can craft a specific image of their country for both domestic and international audiences.
This dynamic remains central as the World Cup returns after nearly four years [3]. The tournament, scheduled for 2026 [1], serves as a focal point for national pride and political signaling. The scale of the event allows host nations to demonstrate infrastructure and organizational capability on a global stage.
While some leaders embrace the spotlight, others distance themselves from the spectacle. Donald Trump said, "I won't be here" [4], regarding his presence at the events.
Historically, the sport has provided a tool for nation-building, often blending athletic achievement with political goals. Goldblatt's analysis suggests that the game is rarely just about the sport, but rather a vehicle for those seeking to exercise power. This pattern has persisted across different regimes and eras, making the World Cup a recurring site of political theater.
“Political leaders have used soccer for over a century”
The 2026 World Cup arrives at a time of significant geopolitical tension, meaning the tournament will likely serve as more than a sporting event. By analyzing the historical use of soccer as a tool for nation-building, it becomes clear that the hosting duties of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be scrutinized not just for logistics, but for how these governments use the event to project soft power and national unity.
