World Cup

The flags of Spain and Argentina are displayed against the Manhattan skyline during the FIFA Drone show on July 15, 2026, in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Root for Spain for Their Play and Their Politics Root for Spain for Their Play and Their Politics

A World Cup victory will not just feel like a soccer triumph but a national triumph. For that reason, fans should support Pedro Sánchez’s Spain over Javier Milei’s Argentina.

Jul 16, 2026 / Dave Zirin

During the World Cup, Kalshi became the fourth-most-downloaded app at the Apple App Store.

The World Cup Meets Casino Capitalism The World Cup Meets Casino Capitalism

FIFA’s new prediction market partners cast a shadow over the people’s game.

Jul 7, 2026 / Jules Boykoff

US President Donald Trump poses for a selfie with Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw on December 5, 2025, in Washington, DC.

Trump Is Trying to Rig the World Cup Trump Is Trying to Rig the World Cup

FIFA has a long history of corruption, and now soccer’s governing body is again bending to the will of an autocrat.

Jul 6, 2026 / Dave Zirin

A general view as the screen displays a “Stop the Hate” and “No Racism” message during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Haiti at Philadelphia Stadium on June 19, 2026, in Philadelphia.

The World Cup of Racism The World Cup of Racism

The Trump administration has a message for every soccer fan on the planet: The US government is unapologetically bigoted.

Jun 25, 2026 / Jules Boykoff

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