World Cup Ends with Record FIFA Revenue Amid Rights Concerns in U.S.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hailed by President Gianni Infantino as the "most inclusive in history," has drawn to a close after 104 matches across 16 venues in three countries. The tournament, one of the largest sporting events ever staged, saw full stadiums and significant financial gains for FIFA, which reportedly generated a record $13 billion in revenue.

While FIFA celebrates its financial success, the event's broader impact is viewed differently by human rights advocates. The U.S. administration, which conducted up to 2,000 deportations daily under its immigration program, benefited from the international spotlight, which critics argue primarily showcased the country's positive aspects without significant international denunciation of its policies.

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Generally, repression calms down during the competition, but not in the United States

Human rights defenders suggest that the tournament's conclusion does not signal an end to the issues they highlight. They contend that the "trumpist" policies and the administration's deportation efforts continue without substantial international pushback, overshadowing the celebratory narrative of the World Cup. The global attention, they argue, has inadvertently masked ongoing human rights concerns.

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the most inclusive World Cup in history