Why some Americans Are Rooting Against the US in the World Cup
Critics say politics and sportswashing could lead some fans to back other teams, while others argue patriotism can coexist with criticism of U.S. policy.
- The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the planet's most-watched sporting event, arrives amid high political tensions in the United States, where most tournament matches will be played.
- Critics of the historically unpopular Trump administration fear 'sportswashing,' where governments use athletic spectacles to burnish their image, prompting some fans to feel ambivalent about supporting national teams.
- Wake Forest University philosophy professor Adam Kadlac argues in 'The Ethics of Sports Fandom' that fans critical of their country's behavior may feel compelled to root against national teams.
- During a January 2026 match, Iranian player Mehdi Taremi demonstrated this nuance by refusing to celebrate, stating, "The people are always with us, and that," to avoid endorsing his government.
- Rooting for the national team does not imply blind loyalty or ignorance, as athletic success has no broader political significance, allowing fans to separate their sports enjoyment from policy disagreements.
36 Articles
36 Articles
The Conversation
As an American, should you feel guilty about rooting against the US in the World Cup?
The 2026 World Cup promises to be the planet’s most-watched sporting event. It’s also poised to generate its fair share of controversy. Taking into account the history of corruption in FIFA, the sport’s governing body, it would be hard to blame anyone who decided to ignore this year’s competition. However, some viewers of this summer’s tournament may face an additional dilemma. Political tensions are high in the U.S., where most of the tournamen…
As an American, will have to you’re feeling in charge about rooting towards the United States within the International Cup?
The 2026 International Cup guarantees to be the planet’s most-watched carrying match. It’s additionally poised to generate its justifiable share of controversy. Allowing for the historical past of corruption in FIFA, the game’s governing frame, it could be laborious responsible someone who determined to forget about this yr’s festival. Alternatively, some audience of this summer time’s match would possibly face an extra predicament. Political te…
As an American, should you feel guilty about rooting against the US in the World Cup?
by Adam Kadlac, Wake Forest University, [This article first appeared in The Conversation, republished with permission] The 2026 World Cup promises to be the planet’s most-watched sporting event. It’s also poised to generate its fair share of controversy. Taking into account the history of corruption in FIFA, the sport’s governing body, it would be hard to blame anyone who decided to ignore this year’s competition. However, some viewers of this s…
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