Ali Walker
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Articles by Ali Walker
Trump on Norway: ‘Shithouse country’
Donald Trump on Sunday night said Norway “sucks,” as he fulminated about being repeatedly overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite starting a war with Iran and toppling the leader of Venezuela, Trump has vigorously touted his peacemaking credentials, claiming to have settled at least eight conflicts during his second term in office.
Why the EU avoids tackling Big Soccer
BRUSSELS — The EU’s influential competition regulators have taken on some of the planet’s most powerful companies, from Google to Gazprom. But they are steering clear of opening a case against the world soccer governing body, FIFA. A complaint lodged by the European Leagues professional soccer association in October 2024 accused FIFA of abusing its dominant position by imposing its international match calendar on other sporting stakeholders.
Ukraine brings war effort to football’s Champions League
MONACO — Ukraine is taking its war effort from the muddy Donbas trenches and halls of European power to an iconic London football stadium this week. Originally driven from its home in 2014 by marauding Russian-backed forces, Shakhtar Donetsk — Ukraine’s top team — will take up a residency at Stamford Bridge, home of Chelsea FC, in Europe’s premier football competition Wednesday night.
Ukraine brings war effort to football’s Champions League
Now Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries and warehouses have led to casualties among the foreigners easing Russia’s labor shortage. When Ramaya Anjarana, a 29-year-old steel fitter from India, decided to go to Russia for a job in construction, he wasn’t particularly worried that the country was at …
Latvia moves to expel Russian journalist who used to work for BBC
Latvia on Tuesday moved to kick out a Russian journalist and noted online commentator who has been living in the country for more than a decade. “Taking into account the information received today from the competent authorities, and after discussions with the Prime Minister and the Minister of the Interior, I have decided to initiate the process of adding another Russian citizen to Latvia’s list of personae non gratae,” said Riga’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže.
Alarm in Denmark after Russian ship fires at military helicopter
A Russian ship fired flares at a Danish military helicopter off the southern coast of Denmark on Monday, triggering alarm in Copenhagen as the Kremlin's belligerence against Europe ramps up. "The Russian frigate fired two flares at the helicopter. One of the flares fired passed within a short distance of the helicopter," the Danish armed forces announced late Monday night.
Krytykuje Gianniego Infantino od lat. Ma konkretny plan na odbudowę FIFA
Prezeska norweskiej federacji piłkarskiej od dawna jest solą w oku prezesa FIFA, głośno domagając się bardziej przejrzystego zarządzania na szczytach światowej piłki nożnej. Jej obawy, sięgające czasów Mistrzostw Świata w Katarze w 2022 r. i związanych z nimi pytań dotyczących pracy migrantów oraz praw człowieka, zyskały znacznie szerszy oddźwięk tego lata, po tym, jak tajny plan Infantino dotyczący sprzedaży części turnieju ujawnił ryzyko związane z wysoce scentralizowanym kierownictwem FIFA.
The lonely crusader against Gianni Infantino
Lise Klaveness was calling out Gianni Infantino before it was cool. The president of Norway’s soccer federation has been a longtime thorn in the side of FIFA’s president, pushing vociferously for more transparent governance at the summit of global soccer.
The fixer at the center of FIFA's meltdown
BRUSSELS — Gianni Infantino shut FIFA's top leadership out of his bombshell plot to sell off parts of the World Cup to private investors.
The fixer at the center of FIFA’s meltdown
Now The 2026 FIFA World Cup has come to an end, but preparations for the next edition of the tournament are already underway. Morocco will host the World Cup for the first time in its history, alongside Spain and Portugal, plus a few special matches taking place in South America. As such, the African …
On może zastąpić Gianniego Infantino. Mocna kandydatura
Według trzech wysoko postawionych międzynarodowych działaczy piłkarskich, którzy chcą pozostać anonimowi, Nasser Al-Khelaifi jest rozważany jako poważny kandydat na prezydenta FIFA. UEFA zwołała dziś nadzwyczajne spotkanie 55 federacji członkowskich, na którym osiągnięto jednolite stanowisko w sprawie planów inwestycyjnych Infantino. Jeśli Infantino nie zrezygnuje ze swoich planów, wszystkie 55 federacji zbojkotują wszystkie rozgrywki FIFA.
European soccer officials eye Qatari sports executive to challenge Infantino
BRUSSELS — European soccer officials are considering Qatari sports executive Nasser al-Khelaifi as a potential candidate in next year's election for FIFA's top job, after President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to outside investors sent the plan's critics scrambling to identify a challenger.
The Falklands, Johnny Infantino and an invisible man: A whirlwind review of the World Cup
Ali Walker The World Cup has always been about more than soccer. Every four years, the global sporting extravaganza becomes a stage on which governments project power, politicians clamor for photo opportunities and old rivalries discover new life. North America's first World Cup since 1994 was no different — only bigger.
The ‘hopeless, bad people’ just won Donald Trump's World Cup
3 hours ago If the president gets his way, new rules would lower the bar for building monuments in Washington. Building a new monument in Washington, D.C., is supposed to take time—a slow procedural grind of plans drafted, designs revised, studies conducted, and preservationists, historians, tribes, and …
The Falklands, Johnny Infantino and an invisible man: A whirlwind review of the World Cup
Bieber had something very different in mind for the FIFA World Cup final. Justin Bieber’s return to the stage during the FIFA World Cup Final halftime …
The ‘hopeless, bad people’ just won Donald Trump's World Cup
Turns out, revenge is a dish best served on a warm Sunday afternoon in a New Jersey swamp. President Donald Trump has spent much of his second term in office berating Spain over its anemic military spending and refusal to allow American forces to use Spanish bases for bombing missions in Iran. Earlier this month, Trump branded the country "hopeless," derided the Spanish as "bad people" and briefly threatened to cut off all trade in goods with Madrid.
Spain or Argentina? Politicians are divided on the World Cup final
We asked some of the most dedicated tourney followers in American politics to share their predictions for the final. POLITICO asked some of the most dedicated tourney followers in American politics to share their predictions for the final. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul: “Coming from Buffalo, we root for the underdogs, those who have not had the championship. Argentina's had their opportunity. When was the last time Spain won?
Spain or Argentina, who's going to win? Europe has its say.
Guess who the Brussels bubble thinks will triumph in the FIFA World Cup final. Good morning and welcome to World Cup final day. POLITICO's live blog will be humming from now through the final whistle in New Jersey this afternoon. Let's start here ... POLITICO polled the great and the good of the Brussels bubble to hear which team they think will win the World Cup final on Sunday. And there's not much love for Argentina. Glenn Micallef, European commissioner for sport: 2-0 Spain.
Ursula von der Leyen declines invite to FIFA World Cup final
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen rejected an invitation to the FIFA Men’s World Cup final on Sunday, which will feature EU nation Spain taking on Argentina. The two sides will clash in New Jersey on Sunday afternoon U.S. time, and the showpiece fixture will be attended by U.S. President Donald Trump, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Spain’s King Felipe VI. But the Commission chief won’t be there, despite the potential for informal face time with Trump.
How to keep a soccer team alive in exile
Afghan women's team captain Farkhunda Muhtaj talks about lobbying FIFA to officially recognize her squad. Farkhunda Muhtaj has spent years fighting to keep the Afghanistan women's national soccer team alive after the Taliban banned women from sport following President Joe Biden's chaotic withdrawal of American forces from the country. That campaign reached a breakthrough this year when FIFA agreed to establish an official Afghan women's national team.
The secret to becoming a sporting superpower
Norway's minister responsible for sports reveals her country's recipe for success. Few countries punch above their weight in sport quite like Norway.
How Trump radicalized the Belgians
Belgium's national team did not arrive at the World Cup with a political identity. It has one now. BRUSSELS — President Donald Trump's interference with FIFA's disciplinary measures ahead of the U.S.-Belgium match had unintended consequences: He fired up the Belgians. After limping through the group stage and first knockout round, Belgium cleaned the floor with the U.S. in the round of 16, after Trump intervened to help overturn a suspension for America's key attacker, Folarin Balogun.
Emmanuel Macron cheers Les Bleus. So does Jordan Bardella.
France “is now just two games away from the ultimate achievement!” grins president of the far-right National Rally, which has had an uneasy relationship with the national squad. For one evening at least, Les Bleus accomplished what few others can: uniting France's political class. Senior French politicians from across the spectrum praised France's victory over Morocco in the World Cup quarterfinals on Thursday night, as they eye eventual glory in New Jersey on July 19.
Morocco has its eye on the 2030 final
Africa's leading soccer force is hoping FIFA will choose it over Spain's most famous stadiums to host next tournament's final. Morocco is having a moment as a powerhouse soccer nation, reaching the business end of back-to-back World Cups and seeing a pathway to winning this year's tournament. “Morocco has gained everybody's respect now,” team coach Mohamed Ouahbi told reporters after the squad's victory over the Netherlands in the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup.
After Trump intervention, Balogun plays vs. Belgium
American forward Folarin Balogun will start tonight for the USMNT against Belgium in the World Cup last-16 knockout match. Balogun was sent off in the previous round against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was due to serve a one-match suspension tonight â before world football governing body FIFA unusually lifted the ban following an effort from Trump administration officials.
đ Potential Spain vs. US clash
There is a politically mouthwatering prospect in store on Friday night. Should Spain beat Portugal in Dallas in the match ongoing now and the U.S. handles Belgium tonight, the feuding allies will face off in InglewoodâÂÂs SoFi Stadium for a place in the World Cup semifinals. President Donald Trump has repeatedly targeted Spain since he returned to office in January 2025 over its military spending record.
‘Shame on you': Belgium accuses FIFA of caving to Trump ahead of World Cup clash
Politicians across the political spectrum blasted the decision to clear American star Folarin Balogun to play Monday. BRUSSELS — Belgian politicians and soccer officials were outraged Sunday after FIFA ditched a one-match ban for American star Folarin Balogun that would have ruled him out of the U.S.-Belgium World Cup round-of-16 matchup on Monday.
World Cup 2026
Donald Trump on Sunday afternoon thanked FIFA after it suspended a one-match ban for U.S. star Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play in Monday's Last 16 matchup against Belgium. “Thank you to FIFA for doing what was right, and reversing a great injustice!” Trump posted on Truth Social. POLITICO has contacted FIFA to ask whether the Trump administration lobbied to reverse Balogun's suspension, after he received a red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
POLITICO Live
As Canada exits the World Cup, Prime Minister Mark Carney posted on X : “Today, we feel nothing but pride ... An incredible journey that bodes well for great things to come. Thank you to our team, the fans, and everyone who contributed to our best performance to date at the World Cup.” Canada is the first host nation to be knocked out of the 2026 tournament. Mexico plays England on Sunday evening and the U.S. takes on Belgium on Monday.
The populist trick that turned a soccer shirt into a campaign uniform
Colombia's new president has his opponents seeing yellow. MAGA-friendly Abelardo de la Espriella's decision to make Colombia's national soccer jersey a defining feature of his victorious right-wing presidential campaign has sparked a debate over the political ownership of national symbols. While the yellow shirt has long been associated with moments of collective celebration, critics argue that its prominent use by a partisan candidate risks recasting it as a marker of political identity.
'Héros canadiens': Carney cheers Canada's late win
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney celebrated his country's knockout victory over South Africa on Sunday afternoon, posting â in English and in French, of course â that the squad were, "True Canadian heroes," and adding, "What a game. What a team. What a country."
How the World Cup became a victory lap for Trump ally El Tigre
Colombia's World Cup run has become a celebration of more than just its national team. MIAMI — Colombia's World Cup run has become a celebration of more than just its national team: For many fans, it's also a victory lap for the country's Trump-backed president-elect.
Rubio, Patel at Miami match
Secretary of State Marco Rubio is sitting next to FIFA President Gianni Infantino at Miami Stadium for the Colombia vs. Portugal game tonight. On Infantino's other side: FBI Director Kash Patel. They're here for the most hotly anticipated match of the group stage.
Tartan Army party over
Scotland is now officially out of the World Cup after being stuck in limbo awaiting other results for three days following defeat to Brazil. While the players and management underperformed in America, Scottish fans â the Tartan Army â were one of the stories of the first week of the tournament.
Who's who from the Trump administration
While President Donald Trump himself hasn't attended a game yet during the World Cup, the rest of his administration has turned out in force at all three U.S. games so far. Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency , is at the game in Inglewood. Zeldin has clashed with California officials over issues ranging from endangered species protections to clean-air rules , while also bidding to address Mexico-California cross-border sewage pollution.
How much longer can Donald Trump go missing from the World Cup? Original
The person who shaped the tournament in his image has been invisible since it started. Some of soccer's biggest names have come to play at the World Cup: Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Júnior and now even Cristiano Ronaldo have left their mark on the score sheet. But one key player who loomed over just about every step of pre-tournament preparations has been notably invisible: Donald Trump.
Trump goes AWOL at the World Cup
Global power is in flux. Your daily guide to what comes next. By ALI WALKER and SOPHIA CAI U.S. President Donald Trump receives the FIFA Peace Prize from FIFA president Gianni Infantino during the World Cup draw in Washington on Dec. 5, 2025.| Jia Haocheng/Pool/Getty Images One key player has been conspicuous by his absence at the FIFA World Cup. No, not Cristiano Ronaldo. Donald J. Trump.
Exclusive: Spanish football boss pushes for 2030 World Cup final as pressure grows from Morocco
“Spain is the nation who leads the World Cup,” football chief Rafael Louzán said. ATLANTA — Spain's football chief told POLITICO he is confident that either Madrid or Barcelona will host the World Cup final in 2030, as Morocco joins the race to stage the biggest sporting event in the world.
Sports is the Gulf's favorite soft power play. The World Cup is a hard test.
Middle Eastern petrostates have poured billions into the game. Their national teams are struggling to keep up. ATLANTA — Gulf countries have plowed billions of dollars into domestic soccer, led by a multi-year Saudi spending extravaganza that has brought global superstars and new attention to its domestic league. But it is doing little to improve their showing at the World Cup. The United Arab Emirates failed to qualify.
Where Massachusetts wants to take its Scottish love affair next
Gov. Maura Healey on what the Tartan Army takeover of Boston has to do with her affordability agenda. FOXBOROUGH, Massachusetts — Boston is bouncing and the Massachusetts governor wants to thank thousands of kilted Scottish soccer fans who have taken over the city between Scotland's first match against Haiti last weekend and its second, against Morocco, today. The tournament's shock love affair is sparking delight in Gov.
FIFA or ... FISA?
Arriving in the U.S. from Belgium to cover the World Cup, one overarching controversy stood out from the Iran war, visas and commercial exploitation: Should POLITICO call the sport football or soccer? Our style guide entry â âThe worldwide sport should be referred to as football in Europe and soccer in the U.S. In European copy, refer to American football for the different U.S. sport played in the NFLâ â didnât end the debate.
Europe's top sports official talks Panini stickers and World Cup picks
POLITICO caught up with European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef in Brussels last week to get his top tips for the World Cup. POLITICO caught up with European Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef in Brussels last week to get his top tips for the World Cup.
Not another political World Cup
Headaches abound for FIFA as the biggest sporting event in the world kicks off in North America. World Cup history is awash with politics — and politicians — intruding on the soccer. For almost a century, leaders ranging from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to Argentine military junta boss Jorge Videla to French President Jacques Chirac have sought to score political points from the tournament. This year's competition is also not the first to be overshadowed by conflict.
Polityczny aspekt mistrzostw świata. UEFA zaprasza sędziego, którego nie chcieli Amerykanie. "Piłka nożna ma łączyć ludzi"
Omar Artan został wyznaczony do sędziowania meczu o Superpuchar UEFA 2026, który odbędzie się 12 sierpnia w Salzburgu pomiędzy zwycięzcą Ligi Mistrzów UEFA, Paris Saint-Germain, a triumfatorem Ligi Europy UEFA, Aston Villa FC. Spotkanie to inauguruje nowy sezon rozgrywek klubowych w Europie. Mundial na politycznym spalonym.
UEFA invites Somali ref barred from US to oversee flagship European game
European football’s governing body, UEFA, on Thursday announced that Somali referee Omar Artan — who was controversially barred from entering the U.S. for the 2026 World Cup — will officiate a major European match in August. Artan has been appointed to referee the 2026 UEFA Super Cup, which will take place on Aug. 12 in Salzburg between UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and UEFA Europa League winners Aston Villa FC.
Trump chciał mundialu marzeń. FIFA dostała polityczny koszmar
Prezydent Stanów Zjednoczonych Donald Trump bynajmniej nie jest pierwszym gospodarzem mistrzostw świata, który próbuje ugrać polityczne korzyści dzięki turniejowi. Przez niemal sto lat przywódcy — od włoskiego dyktatora Benito Mussoliniego po prezydenta Francji Jacques’a Chiraca — robili dokładnie to samo. Tegoroczne rozgrywki również nie są pierwszym mundialem, nad którym zawisł cień konfliktów zbrojnych. W 2002 r.
Not another political World Cup
U.S. President Donald Trump is hardly the first World Cup host to seek to score political points from the tournament. For almost a century, leaders ranging from Italian dictator Benito Mussolini to French President Jacques Chirac have done exactly that. This year’s competition is also not the first to be overshadowed by conflict.
Not another political World Cup
Heat waves have become a persistent part of Northern Hemisphere summers — each one made hotter, longer and more likely to occur as a result of man-made global warming. The locations of several stadiums across the U.S. and Mexico, as well as the peak-summer timing of the World Cup, are expected to put players and fans at risk of overheating. The problem isn’t just heat, but also humidity.
Zelenskyy’s top negotiator flies to Berlin for talks with Germany, France, UK
BERLIN — Ukraine's top negotiator Rustem Umerov arrived in Berlin on Tuesday for talks, amid Russia's warning to foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv due to planned airstrikes.
Russia’s sports comeback fuels anger in Ukraine
An ally of Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is pushing to reintegrate Russia into another iconic Olympic sport, sparking outrage among senior Ukrainian officials as Moscow’s full-scale invasion grinds on. Dmitry Svishchev, president of the Russian Curling Federation and a member of the Russian parliament, is using legal threats and public pressure in Moscow’s bid for international readmission onto the ice rink.
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