Right-Wing Politicians Exploit Nationalism During 2026 FIFA World Cup

Right-wing politicians in multiple countries are leveraging the nationalistic fervor surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup to advance their political agendas. In the United States, the Department of Homeland Security controversially used the slogan "Build the Wall," popularized by former President Donald Trump, in a political photo with the US soccer team, blending sport and partisan messaging. In Colombia, ultra-right presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella frequently wore the national team's jersey during his campaign, using it in social media to target political opponents. This move sparked criticism from Colombia's football association, which urged to keep the national team and its symbols separate from political disputes. Meanwhile, in Brazil, supporters of former President Jair Bolsonaro have appropriated the iconic yellow jersey as a symbol associated with the political unrest culminating in the January 2023 attacks on democratic institutions. Bolsonaro's son Flavio even refers to it as "Bolsonaro's Shirt," illustrating the strong political symbolism attached to the jersey. Current Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is actively trying to reclaim the jersey's significance for unity as he faces re-election. While these developments highlight sports nationalism being used for political gain abroad, Germany's political actors have remained mostly on the sidelines. However, in a related context, Schleswig-Holstein's Minister-President Daniel Günther of the CDU has criticized the German Left Party co-leader Luigi Pantisano for equating the CDU with fascist forces amid political tensions, showing domestic political friction that contrasts with the international exploitation of sports symbols. This cluster of stories reveals how sport, particularly football, continues to be a powerful platform for nationalist messaging, with right-wing forces exploiting it to bolster political campaigns and narratives in the World Cup year.