Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Donald Trump, Football World Cup, United States
Josh Lawless
Donald Trump's latest controversial move is set to have a huge impact on the 2026 World Cup which takes place in North America, it has been revealed.
The next showpiece takes place across the United States, Mexico and Canada and will make history as the first to be hosted by three countries.
Following on from the revamped Club World Cup this summer, the US will act as the main host for the first ever 48-team tournament with 11 different stadiums - including the MetLife Stadium for the final on July 19.
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But complications have arisen around the next World Cup in relation to President Trump's decision on tariffs introduced for US trading partners.
Tariffs are essentially taxes on goods and materials imported from a country and after announcing neighbours Canada and Mexico would be subjected to 25% tariffs, on 2 April, a day Trump branded 'Liberation' Day', he unveiled further tariffs in the form of a chart.
The US is the largest importer of goods in the world but Trump feels as though the country have not been treated fairly with prices and has made the aggressive change in policy in order to protect US manufacturing.
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Nations like the UK and Australia will be subjected to the blanket 10% US tariff going forward, while 60 nations will now have additional reciprocal tariffs - including China at 34% Vietnam at 46% and India at 26%, as per Sky News.
But problems could be in store going into the World Cup, which is typically key opportunity for brands from various industries on a global scale but could prompt a rethink if they feel as though they are not getting sufficient value.
"I suspect some sponsors are now re-assessing how they 'activate' such deals in the US, given the trade barriers that have now been imposed," John Zerafa, a sports event bid strategist told the BBC.
"Why would a sponsor spend millions of pounds doing so if it is now prohibitive to sell in America?"
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Hyundai-Kia, Aramco, Lenovo and Qatar Airways are some of the major global partners who could be most impacted.
Trump has created a World Cup taskforce which he will take the lead on, with many other members of his administration also involved.
In a statement released on the White House website, Trump said the World Cup "presents an opportunity to showcase the Nation’s pride and hospitality while promoting economic growth and tourism through sport".