The World Cup draw on Friday evening was a more than strange event. Precisely because of the protagonist: Gianni Infantino.
All tournament groups have been drawn, and the German national team now knows its three opponents in the preliminary round at the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada. And one thing is already clear: this draw will be remembered – but unfortunately for the wrong reasons. Because this gala in Washington, DC was one of the most absurd events in recent sports history.
How football mixed with politics here, how much FIFA President Gianni Infantino wooed and flattered US President Donald Trump – it was an absolute horror spectacle.
FIFA has done a lot to lose credibility in recent years. But with this draw she has outdone herself in a negative way. But that’s not all. Infantino delivered a bizarre performance, as if in a fever of madness. Before the draw began, he encouraged the audience: “I want to try something out. Let’s do something unique. Are there Americans in the room? Make some noise! Are there Canadians in the room? Are there Mexicans in the room?” Then Infantino said: “If I say one, two, three, then only the Americans shout: ‘USA, USA, USA’. So now only the Americans. One, two, three…” Then it was the turn of the other host countries.
The spectacle was reminiscent of his confused speech in November 2022 before the World Cup in Qatar, when, in the face of harsh criticism of the host country, he said: “Today I feel very strong feelings. Today I feel Qatari, today I feel Arab, today I feel African. Today I feel homosexual. Today I feel disabled.” At the time, he probably wanted to make a contribution to the controversy surrounding the issue of diversity. He failed, just like this bizarre appearance.
And it went even further: When Infantino presented Trump with the FIFA Peace Prize, it was clear at the latest: Things couldn’t get any crazier – or more unpleasant. “That’s their price,” Infantino said. “This award is given annually to recognize an individual who promotes a clear commitment to peace in the world.” FIFA only announced the prize at the beginning of November, and according to reports, Infantino won this prize single-handedly. And – such a coincidence – he gave the award directly to his male friend Trump.
The football umbrella organization has long since degenerated into a one-man event run by its president, who forms questionable political networks and is apparently allowed to do as he pleases. To make matters worse, he also acts as a fighter for football and a better world. And that’s the only thing more absurd than this World Cup group draw in Washington, DC.