The vice-president of U.S. Soccer, Nathan Goldberg Crenier, has sharply criticized former President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asserting that Trump has left a "moral stain" on the 2026 World Cup.
In an opinion piece published in The Guardian on the day of the tournament's final match between Spain and Argentina, Goldberg Crenier argued that FIFA's embrace of Trump, including awarding him the FIFA Peace Prize, has compromised the integrity of soccer. He noted that Infantino awarded the prize to Trump shortly before the former president authorized military actions. Goldberg Crenier suggested that the World Cup's successes occurred in spite of, not because of, their involvement.
He further commented on the perceptions of international visitors, stating that many were surprised by the prevalence of what he described as Trump's "hardline anti-immigrant and anti-foreigner policies." Goldberg Crenier characterized Trump's political approach as "openly rooted in division, selfishness and violence," contrasting it with soccer's inclusive nature.
The U.S. Soccer official also addressed the controversy surrounding the suspension of star striker Folarin Balogun. Balogun was initially sent off in a previous match, leading to outrage when his red card was controversially overturned shortly before the U.S. team's round of 16 game against Belgium, which they lost 4-1. Goldberg Crenier claimed that Trump's intervention in the matter "tarnished USA's credibility" and "soccer's integrity," suggesting it unfairly clouded the team's reputation with accusations of favoritism or corruption.
Balogun himself had previously stated that he felt Trump's involvement created unnecessary pressure on the team, leading to nerves among his teammates due to the unprecedented nature of the situation.
Goldberg Crenier called on global soccer authorities to reject Infantino's leadership, describing his approach as "egotistical and transactional."
Former President Trump was expected to present the World Cup trophy to the winning team at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The U.S. Men's National Team is currently awaiting a decision from head coach Mauricio Pochettino regarding his future with the team.