The Pitch and the Power: Autocrats, Sportswashing, and the Soul of Soccer
How autocrats have tried to co‑opt soccer’s universal appeal, and why the sport’s true power lies in its community, not in staged spectacles.
Jun 11, 2026
Person
Gianni Infantino
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Gianni Infantino across Soccer, Football, Baseball.
The Cost of the Beautiful Game: How 2026 World Cup Tickets Are Redefining Fan Access
The 2026 World Cup’s soaring ticket prices and FIFA’s pricing strategy spark debate over soccer’s accessibility, fan experience and the balance between commercial growth and grassroots roots.
Jun 11, 2026
Robert Kraft’s Decades‑Long Push to Bring the 2026 World Cup to Boston
A look at how Kraft’s network, from local officials to global football’s governing bodies, has shaped Boston’s bid for the sport’s biggest showcase.
Jun 11, 2026
Trump’s Soccer Obsession: From Academy Roots to Global Stage
Donald Trump’s teenage soccer stint at New York Military Academy, his later attempts to brand himself as a soccer president, and his partnership with FIFA chief Gianni Infantino reveal a blend of personal ambition and commercial strategy as the United States prepares to host the World Cup.
Jun 11, 2026
World Cup Fever Grips Mexico City Amidst Chaos and Controversy
Amidst a backdrop of protests, traffic jams and political tension, Mexico City's streets are awash with World Cup imagery featuring legends like Hugo Sánchez and Raúl Jiménez, as the tournament's expanded format and controversies dominate discussion.
Jun 11, 2026
Ticket Revocation and Visa Hurdles Complicate Iran’s World Cup Hopes
The Iranian soccer federation says FIFA has cancelled ticket allocations for its games in the United States, citing political interference, while visa denials and financial sanctions threaten the participation of players, officials and fans.
Jun 10, 2026
Italian Heritage and Soccer Converge at St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral
A FIFA‑organized Legends Match and an Italian‑language Mass marked a celebration of Italian‑American culture and soccer in Manhattan.
Jun 10, 2026
The 2026 World Cup’s Growing Backlash Against FIFA and Political Entanglements
Co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, the 2026 World Cup is confronting unprecedented criticism over FIFA’s legacy of scandal and the political maneuvering surrounding Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino, with early signs of fan disengagement and empty stadium seats.
Jun 10, 2026
Somali Referee Omar Artan Denied U.S. Entry for 2026 World Cup Amid Visa Ban
A Somali referee who was barred from entering the United States for the upcoming World Cup has been offered a chance to officiate in Canada, but FIFA’s training‑camp requirement in Florida blocks his participation.
Jun 10, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino Warns of ‘Invasion’ as Los Angeles Preps for 2026 World Cup
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino warned that Los Angeles could see an 'invasion' of happy fans during the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first to include 48 national teams and is co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Jun 10, 2026
Exorbitant World Cup Ticket Prices Undermine Soccer’s Working‑Class Roots
The United States will host the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid soaring ticket prices, a lack of price caps and unchecked resale markets that threaten to keep the tournament out of reach for working‑class supporters and young players.
Jun 10, 2026
FIFA Ticket Row Over Iranian Fans at US World Cup Matches
A dispute between Iran’s soccer federation and FIFA over revoked ticket allocations for Iranian supporters has intensified diplomatic tensions, visa restrictions, and sanctions that jeopardize fan attendance and tournament stability.
Jun 10, 2026
FIFA Ticket Revocation Sparks Diplomatic Tensions Ahead of World Cup
The Iranian soccer federation says FIFA has pulled ticket allocations for its World Cup games in the United States, citing political pressure. At the same time, visa disputes have blocked a Somali referee, an Iraqi photographer and a national striker, raising broader concerns about access for fans and staff.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA Strips Iran Fan Tickets Amid U.S. Travel Restrictions
World football’s governing body has withdrawn the limited allocation of seats reserved for Iranian supporters, citing U.S. travel constraints that have turned the tournament into a flashpoint of political tension.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA Ticket Row Over Iran World Cup Games in the U.S.
A dispute between Iran's football authority and FIFA has escalated over revoked ticket allocations for Iran's World Cup matches in the United States, raising questions about diplomatic interference and fan access.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA Restricts Iranian Fan Access as World Cup Tensions Rise
FIFA’s decision to cancel tickets for Iranian supporters, coupled with visa rejections and a relocated training base, intensifies political friction surrounding the upcoming World Cup matches in the United States.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA strips Iranian fan tickets amid diplomatic strain
FIFA has revoked ticket allocations for Iranian supporters at three World Cup matches in the United States, citing escalating tensions and visa complications that threaten the tournament's inclusive spirit.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA strips Iranian fan tickets amid diplomatic fallout
FIFA has revoked ticket allocations for Iranian supporters, citing escalating geopolitical strain that has reshaped team preparations and travel possibilities.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA strips Iranian fans’ tickets amid diplomatic strain
FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation for Iranian supporters at the World Cup in the United States, citing escalating tensions between Tehran, world soccer’s governing body and Washington. The move comes as Iran’s national team settles in Mexico and several officials are denied entry to the United States.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA strips Iran fan tickets amid diplomatic fallout
FIFA’s decision to cancel ticket allocations for Iranian supporters adds a layer of geopolitical strain to the tournament, highlighting visa hurdles, team relocations and the clash between sports governance and international conflict.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA’s Ticket Revocation Deepens Iran’s World Cup Crisis
FIFA's decision to cancel Iranian fan tickets, coupled with visa denials and a team relocation to Tijuana, highlights the escalating tensions between Tehran and world football authorities.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA strips Iranian fans of World Cup tickets amid diplomatic strain
FIFA has revoked ticket allocations for Iranian supporters at the upcoming matches in the United States, citing escalating tensions and visa restrictions that also affect team officials and a match referee.
Jun 9, 2026
FIFA strips Iranian fans’ tickets as World Cup tensions rise
FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation for Iranian supporters, citing escalating diplomatic pressures. The move follows a series of visa setbacks, a relocation of Iran's training camp to Tijuana, and public statements by FIFA president Gianni Infantino about fan access.
Jun 9, 2026
The 2026 World Cup: A Trump‑Infantino Spectacle and the Fight Against Sportswashing
The upcoming 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, is being weaponised by Donald Trump and FIFA president Gianni Infantino, turning sport into a vehicle for grift and authoritarian control.
Jun 8, 2026