Youth views on the World Cup
How has the FIFA Peace Prize changed them?
Words: Fatima, New Jersey
The FIFA World Cup is a tournament that soccer fans eagerly anticipate for years; a memory that can be recalled fondly even by youth who are not active soccer participants. A time that brings people together not only in the United States but from all over the world, expanding its global reach with the recent hosting in Qatar. However, FIFA’s decision to award the US President with their new “FIFA Peace Prize” sparked controversy. This presents a particular question: Will youth demonstrate the same enthusiasm for the upcoming World Cup as they have in the past?
To examine this, I spoke with students and youth around my high school to gauge their reactions. What I found instantly was a noticeable disapproval toward both FIFA’s decision, and also the willingness of some renowned players to publicly engage in a positive manner with the administration - for example when Messi visited the White House with his Inter Miami team in March.
Many expressed that awarding a global soccer prize to a political figure, especially one with such controversial rhetoric, conflicts with the values they associate with sportsmanship, inclusivity, and unity. For these young fans, soccer has always been more than just a game; it is a space for international connection and fair play. The perception of sports bodies aligning themselves with political agendas has caused some youth to question whether the excitement surrounding the World Cup can remain untarnished.
Several students emphasized that sports should be a neutral space where politics do not overshadow the game itself. “Soccer brings people together,” said one student, “but when organizations like FIFA start giving awards to political figures, it makes the sport feel divided instead of uniting.”
Others pointed out that the involvement of players in political ceremonies or statements also shifts the focus away from their athletic achievements, leaving fans to wonder if personal or political alliances are influencing the integrity of the sport even more than in the past. While this concept has been present before, fans notice an uptick in it now. This sentiment was echoed broadly among the youth I spoke with, showing that younger generations expect their sports institutions to act responsibly and prioritize the values of fairness, inclusivity, and respect.
Despite these concerns, some youth expressed hope that the World Cup itself can remain an exciting and unifying event. They noted that while decisions made by FIFA or individual players may cast a shadow, the global culture of soccer, with its thrilling matches, national pride, and international fan communities, remains strong and can overcome the polarization with a powerful and well timed message of unity.
Yet, the overall message is clear: for many young fans, the controversy surrounding the peace award has sparked a more critical perspective on the organizations and athletes they once so admired. How FIFA and players respond to these concerns may very well influence whether youth enthusiasm for the sport continues to flourish in the coming years.
Fatima is a New Jersey based participant in Youth Media Forward: meet the New York New Jersey participants here