Fox World Cup analyst Alexi Lalas stirred controversy by calling Donald Trump "the soccer president" and commending his "soft power" skills during a podcast interview.
Lalas' Praise for Trump
On "The Ryen Russillo Show" posted Thursday, Lalas said, "I love the fact that I cannot think of another administration where there has been more soccer emanating from the White House and the Oval Office." He added, "Regardless of your political affiliation, having the president of the United States be invested in a World Cup is a good thing. It’s happening on his watch. He understands soft power probably better than anybody. I think he’s going to go down as the soccer president."
Lalas, a former U.S. team standout and 1994 World Cup star, is a Trump supporter who has had the president's ear regarding the global tournament.
Public Backlash
Lalas received pushback for his remarks. One person wrote on X, "I legit watch in Telemundo because of shit like this," referring to the Spanish-language broadcaster. Another commented, "He obviously hit too many headers. What a crazy thing to believe." A third user said, "Alexi Lalas and his absolutely awful takes on just about everything is what I’m least looking forward to during the World Cup."
World Cup Controversies Under Trump
Under Trump's watch, the Iranian team was essentially exiled to a base camp in Mexico despite playing three group matches in the U.S. Visa denials to key team administrators and the barring of a Somali referee—who would have been the first from his country to officiate a World Cup—have also drawn criticism.
Soaring ticket prices have kept ordinary fans away, though Trump has criticized the high costs as well.
Trump's Relationship with FIFA
Trump's reportedly close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made headlines. In December, Infantino awarded Trump the first-ever "FIFA Peace Prize," widely seen as a cringey suck-up gesture. Infantino said the award was "in recognition of his exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world," words that have not aged well.
