Italy cements World Cup as showcase for national values
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Apr 30
Italy cements World Cup as showcase for national values
6 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Apr 30
The report says Benito Mussolini used the 1934 tournament to project fascist Italy through stadium building, subsidised fan travel, merchandise and live radio broadcasts across Europe and Egypt.
Italy's controversial victory and polished hosting were presented by the regime as proof of national strength, maturity and organisational prowess, helping turn the World Cup into a political instrument.
It contrasts that with Uruguay's 1930 use of the inaugural tournament for nation-building, arguing later hosts from Russia and Qatar to the 2026 co-hosts follow the same template.
As US entry policies tighten, can FIFA guarantee a truly global and inclusive World Cup celebration in 2026?
Will the 2026 World Cup build bridges, or will it mainly expose the political fractures of its host nations?