Home
Former U.S. international and Fox Sports pundit Alexi Lalas has suggested that political tensions within the United States could affect the level of support for the U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking to The Athletic, Lalas highlighted how political divisions might lead some Americans to withhold their support from the national team.
The U.S. is set to co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico. However, recent political discourse, including remarks from former President Donald Trump about Canada and stringent immigration policies at the U.S.-Mexico border, has sparked controversy. Canada’s head coach Jesse Marsch and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani have both publicly pushed back against such statements, reaffirming their nation’s sovereignty.
The Weight of Representation
Lalas, who earned 96 caps for the U.S. between 1991 and 1998, addressed how American players often carry the burden of the country’s global reputation when competing on the international stage.
“When they (the USMNT) step on the field in 2026, they’re going to come with baggage,” Lalas said on The Athletic FC podcast’s special episode A World Cup Divided: Trump and 2026. “I do think there is going to be a unity that comes from this World Cup from a U.S. perspective, but there are going to be plenty of people around the world who, because of what the U.S. represents, are not going to want them to win. And guess what? There are going to be people, even in our own country, that are Americans and because of political differences they have, they might not want them to win — not because they even enjoy soccer, but because they represent this United States.”
Reflecting on his own playing days, Lalas noted that similar sentiments existed during his career. “I understood that every single time I went out there, I was the manifestation of all of the insecurity, the inferiority complex and jealousy that others have relative to my country,” he said.
The U.S.-Centric Nature of the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup will be a landmark event, with the U.S. hosting 78 of the 104 matches, while Canada and Mexico will each stage 13 games through the round of 16. Lalas believes that while aligning with Canada and Mexico made sense when the bid was initially announced in 2017, the current political landscape raises questions about that decision.
“Let’s be honest, at the time the bid was made, it was prudent for the United States to align with Canada and Mexico,” he explained. “And maybe you could argue that it is the reason why people ultimately voted for it, some maybe holding their nose. I readily admit that as the United States — in terms of the history, the power — we come with baggage. That’s fine. Eighty percent of the games are going to be played in the United States. If we had it to do again now, I think there’s an argument to be made that the United States would have gone it alone. That’s nothing to take away from what’s going to happen. But the reality is this is going to be a heavily U.S.-centric type of World Cup, just in terms of the numbers.”
Lalas’ Political Stance and Influence
Lalas has never shied away from expressing his political views. A vocal supporter of former President Trump, he has attended pro-Trump rallies and frequently shares posts aligned with right-wing perspectives. Speaking in Los Angeles, Lalas openly acknowledged his political alignment.
“I am a proud registered Republican,” he said. “I certainly lean to the right. I voted for Donald Trump multiple times, proudly, and I am happy in terms of the direction of the country (and) the things he is doing. It is not without obvious pushback and angst, and I can understand and respect that.”
