Trump set to be at World Cup as WADA folds on decision that would ban him from attending

If we lived in the real world, Trump would not be allowed to attend the World Cup in his own country this summer. If we lived in the real world, he might not even be going to the Olympic Games in 2028, also set to be held in his country.

Of course, dear reader, the real world is long gone, it exists as a mere figment of our imagination, getting only blurrier with the passage of time. If only there existed a way to tell you were in the good times back when you were in the good times.

The World Anti-Doping Agency passed a rule that does not allow government officials to be present at major sporting events if their countries voluntarily withhold dues, something the United States has not done since 2023, keeping back a total of $7.3 million.

But that was before the end of normality. Before the end of a rules-based society that Trump has crushed along with his army of cronies - Vance, Rubio, Miller, and Bondi - that haunt the White House corridors like a flock of Pac-man ghosts: red chases you, pink positions itself in a set way, blue tries to ambush you, orange is random. You choose which is which.

But alas, the executive committee, after their first meeting of 2026, now says it has delayed the discussion regarding banning officials until September of this year. By then, the World Cup will be two months old, existing in the past, with all the other things that have happened and from which we have moved on.

WADA spokesman James Fitzgerald told The Associated Press the proposed rule would “not (be) applied retroactively so World Cup, LA and SLC Games would not be covered.”

Then it will be the Olympic Games, but for that we have to wait until 2028, Trump’s last year of his presidency. That’s what we’re calling it in 2026, anyway.

Nobody knows what will happen, whether he will be there or not, whether or not we will be there, whether or not it will consist of sports or who can build the biggest statue.

Related stories

Champions League

Galatasaray fans sneak into Anfield despite ban

Champions League

Spurs fans back on side ahead of UCL comeback dream

Get closer to the game! Whether you like your soccer of the European variety or that on this side of the pond, our AS USA app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more. Plus, stay updated on NFL, NBA and all other big sports stories as well as the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

And there’s more: check out our TikTok and Instagram reels for bite-sized visual takes on all the biggest soccer news and insights.