#1798 FIFA Sportswashing Fascism: The World Cup from Mussolini to Trump
Best of the Left - Leftist Perspectives on Progressive Politics, News, Culture, Economics and Democracy | Jun 06 2026 | 02:53:45

Air Date: 6–5-2026
Today we explore sportswashing past and present, from fascist dictators who first weaponized the World Cup to FIFA's modern extractivism model of corrupt capitalism, and why workers, unions, and fans are now organizing to reclaim the game from those profiting off it.
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TOP TAKES
KP 2: Jules Boykoff on World Cup and Sportswashing Part 1 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-15-26
KP 3: The Fascist World Cup Part 1 - Power Plays - Air Date 5-21-26
KP 5: Trump LOSES IT as FIFA SUFFERS MAJOR CRISIS!! Part 1 - MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-6-26
KP 6: Jules Boykoff on World Cup and Sportswashing Part 2 - CounterSpin - Air Date 5-15-26
(00:45:01) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
FIFA, Trump, and the Patriotism Scam They're Running on America
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DEEPER DIVES
(01:01:55) SECTION A: TRUMP'S PLAYBOOK
A1: Is This the Most Political World Cup of All Time Part 1 - The Global Story - Air Date 5-25-26
A2: As the World Cup Arrives in Seattle, so Do the Contradictions Part 1 - Soundside - Air Date 5-18-26
(01:14:02) SECTION B: FASCIST ORIGINS
B1: Sportswashing Explained Part 1 - Rights & Wrongs - Air Date 5-25-26
B3: The Fascist World Cup Part 2 - Power Plays - Air Date 5-21-26
(01:55:31) SECTION C: GREED MACHINE
C1: Trump LOSES IT as FIFA SUFFERS MAJOR CRISIS!! Part 2 - MeidasTouch - Air Date 5-6-26
C2:
