The White House is picking sides in a bizarre turf war over World Cup meddling. And according to Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House’s World Cup Task Force, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer crossed a bigger line than President Donald Trump did.
Giuliani told Times Radio that Starmer’s involvement in trying to block a kickoff time change for England’s round of 16 match against Mexico was a bigger deal than Trump lobbying FIFA over a red card for US striker Folarin Balogun. The reason? It wasn’t about the game itself.
“The reasons there were discussions was for life and safety,” Giuliani said. “I think that’s where the discussion should be – less about the play on the field.”
The Scheduling Fight and the Safety Argument
The FA had asked FIFA not to move the Mexico City kickoff from 6 p.m. to noon. England was worried about altitude and prep time. Starmer backed those concerns publicly.
But the proposed change came after three Mexican fans died following their team’s round of 32 win over Ecuador, with a million people flooding into the city center late at night. FIFA wanted an earlier game to ease crowd pressure. Starmer’s camp argued the shift hurt England’s chances.
Giuliani made it clear where the White House sees the difference. “One is life and safety, the other one is play on the pitch,” he said. “I think you can see a very clear difference on that.”
Trump’s Balogun Play
Trump called FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally to ask for a “review” of Balogun’s red card. The ban got suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee shortly after. Critics called it political interference. FIFA insisted the committees are independent. Trump’s team says he just wanted fair play.
“Here’s the truth about President Trump. President Trump wants fair play. Fair play at the ballot box, fair play on the field,” Giuliani said. He added that if Belgium had beaten the US with both teams at full strength, “you tip your cap.” Belgium did win and advanced. Trump’s office didn’t argue with that result.
Starmer’s spokesman tried to play down the comparison. He said the PM was just backing the FA’s practical concerns about scheduling and that the final call was always FIFA’s. He also insisted disciplinary decisions are for football authorities alone.
Giuliani didn’t buy it. He hinted the US could bid for the 2038 World Cup and made it sound like this kind of White House involvement might become routine. Whether that’s a threat or a promise probably depends on which flag you’re waving.
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