The World Cup’s second week is underway. For many, attention is fixed on the games, often at the cost of disrupting sleep cycles due to time zone differences. FIFA’s hosting of the event in the United States has led to weeks of late-night viewership for fans and significant financial gain for the organization. Projections indicate this will be the most lucrative World Cup in history.

FIFA’s effort to capture American interest has been ongoing and includes the noteworthy connection Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has with former President Donald Trump. Infantino’s relationship with Trump is exceptionally close, altering FIFA’s operations and strategy. This dynamic is explored by journalists Rebecca Ruiz and Tariq Panja in their recent examination of FIFA’s evolving stance.

Last fall, amid Trump’s open pursuit of the Nobel Peace Prize, Infantino envisioned FIFA establishing its own peace award. The proposal, clearly designed to foster ties with Trump, selected him as the inaugural recipient, emphasizing FIFA’s strategic political maneuvers.