In 2026, the World Cup returns to North America — its biggest stage yet — with promises of unity, spectacle, and global celebration. But behind the fanfare lies a deeper story: a legacy of corruption, political manipulation, and unchecked power. From decades of bribery scandals and backroom deals to the organization’s controversial awarding of tournaments, FIFA’s history casts a long shadow over “the beautiful game.” This panel explores how a sport governed by one of the most scandal-plagued institutions in modern history continues to expand its global reach, often aligning with authoritarian regimes such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar.