Sports journalist Barney Ronay reflects on the controversial state of football (soccer) in the U.S. as it gears up to host the 2026 World Cup under the shadow of political and corporate spectacle. He questions whether boycotting the event—co-opted by figures like Donald Trump and FIFA’s Gianni Infantino—is the right response, or if the sheer absurdity of the situation makes it unmissable. The piece leans into the tension between moral unease and the allure of a "Grand Soccer Parade" orchestrated by larger-than-life egos.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about football—it’s about how global sports events increasingly double as stages for political and corporate power plays. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a flashpoint for debates over ethics, entertainment, and the uncomfortable marriage of sports and authoritarianism. Whether you’re outraged or morbidly fascinated, Ronay argues the spectacle demands attention precisely because it’s so revealing.