The 2026 World Cup and Sports Diplomacy A Forward-Looking Reading into the Employment of Soft Power in International Politics
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.67603/jsrss.v6i2.10670Keywords:
Soft Power, 2026 World Cup, Sports Diplomacy, Sports Media, Visa Crisis, Sportswashing.Abstract
This forward-looking study examines the utilization of the United States' hosting of the 2026 FIFA World Cup (organized in partnership with Canada and Mexico) as a tool of soft power in international politics. The study is grounded in Joseph Nye's theory of soft power, analyzing the geopolitical, cultural, economic, and media dimensions of hosting major sporting events, with a critical discussion of the concept of "Sportswashing." The study aims to forecast the opportunities and challenges facing the United States in utilizing this global event, drawing on lessons learned from previous experiences, particularly Qatar 2022. The study concludes that the United States possesses enormous potential to enhance its soft power, but faces significant challenges exemplified by acute visa crises affecting referees, players, officials, and several teams, along with comprehensive travel bans affecting citizens of 39 countries. The study employed a forward-looking analytical methodology and resulted in a set of practical recommendations for maximizing the diplomatic benefits of major sporting events
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Copyright (c) 2026 محمد أحمد منصر، محمد حسين النظاري، النذير بوصلاح
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