The Politics of Soccer

This course takes place during the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Men's World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The majority of matches are played in the United States, with Boston serving as one of the host cities. The course analyzes how the Men's World Cup has become, alongside the Summer Olympics, the most widely followed sporting event in the world and how its structure and reach have evolved to become more inclusive. The course critically examines FIFA's role as the global governing body of soccer, considering both its contributions to the worldwide diffusion and development of the sport and the controversies that have surrounded the organization. These include corruption in the awarding of World Cups, the sale of broadcasting rights, and the historically limited institutional support for the women's game. In addition, the course explores comparative soccer cultures across the globe, with particular emphasis on the United States. Unlike most countries, where soccer is the predominant sport (or in some contexts another sport such as cricket), the United States does not have a single dominant sport. High schools and universities play a central role in talent development, contrasting with the club-based model prevalent elsewhere. Moreover, women's soccer in the US has achieved greater international success and enjoys broader popularity than in many other societies. The course traces the historical development of soccer in the United States, paying special attention to the role of immigrants in introducing and institutionalizing the sport, as well as to early achievements such as the national team's third-place finish at the inaugural 1930 Men's World Cup. It also analyzes the trajectory of the North American Soccer League (NASL, 1968-1984), whose innovative practices—such as combining entertainment with sport and recruiting international stars like Pelé—anticipated developments that have since become commonplace in global soccer. Finally, the course considers challenges for the 2026 World Cup, including event security and visa access for fans from all countries. We also debate the future of the Men's World Cup and why some of FIFA's hosting decisions are controversial—from human rights concerns (Qatar 2022 and Saudi Arabia 2034) to questions of sustainability in 2026 and 2030, when the tournament will be hosted across six countries on three continents.