Controversies and Concerns Loom Over Upcoming International Sporting Events

Several controversies and concerns are casting a shadow over upcoming international sporting events, ranging from the Winter Olympics to the World Cup. The 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy face challenges related to climate change and the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes, while the upcoming World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico is facing calls for a boycott.

The 2026 Winter Olympics, scheduled to begin on Feb. 6, will see athletes from Russia and Belarus competing as Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN), according to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This decision stems from Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, which led to the implementation of a neutrality clause. The IOC describes AIN as "athletes with Belarusian or Russian passports who have been confirmed as eligible and invited to compete."

Climate change is also posing a significant threat to the Winter Olympics and winter sports in general. According to Time, warm weather and lack of snow have led to canceled competitions, skiing in slush, and postponed training sessions. The president of the world skiing and snowboarding governing body has called climate change "an existential threat" to the sports he oversees. A 2024 study commissioned by the IOC and published in the journal Current Issues in Tourism highlighted the increasing impact of rising temperatures on the Winter Olympics. Canadian aerial skier Marion Thénault stated, "You have to be blind to not notice it."

Meanwhile, the upcoming World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, is facing calls for a boycott. Time reported that Mark Pieth, a Swiss attorney who chaired the Independent Governance Committee's oversight of FIFA reform between 2011 and 2013, told Swiss newspaper Der Bund, "Stay away from the U.S.A.!" These calls have gained traction among other prominent soccer figures, lawmakers, and fans.

In related news, the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis has intensified scrutiny of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Vox reported that the incident has strengthened Senate Democrats' resolve to force changes to immigration forces, "even at the risk of shutting down the government." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer released a statement after Pretti's death, indicating that Senate Democrats would take action. Vox also outlined seven ways that Congress, the courts, and state governments could potentially rein in ICE. The final match of the World Cup is scheduled to take place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.