The World Cup Comes to Trump's America

The World Cup is finally here — and it's coming to North America. This week, Kelly and Tristen take a lighter-than-usual look at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, kicking off June 11th across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Where there's a major global event, there's geopolitics. From Iran's visa saga to sky-high ticket prices, heat waves in Kansas City, and FIFA's delicate dance with the White House, this tournament is anything but simple. Plus: a quick Iran update, World Cup predictions, and a story involving vuvuzelas and Trafalgar Square.

Chapters:

0:05 – Intro & Housekeeping

3:45 – Iran Update

5:57 – World Cup Overview & Geopolitics

9:49 – Iran at the World Cup

16:39 – Ticket Prices

21:27 – Heat & Logistics

23:50 – Predictions & Wrap-Up

Diplomatic Immunity is produced by the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy. Funding support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Views expressed reflect only those of the participants.