USA Today columnist Nancy Armour, who faced criticism Thursday over her commentary about WNBA star Caitlin Clark, had declared last month before the World Cup began that American greed and hostility had already cost the United States its opportunity to showcase the country, citing ticket prices and entry restrictions.
“The U.S. mens national team could make a historically deep run and the tournament could be filled with wondrous goals and compelling games,” Armour said. “It will not change the fact that we have shown ourselves to be a hateful and greedy nation, one where leaders are only willing to welcome a world as they want to see it rather than as it exists, and the love of the game is exploited for top dollar.”
Armour predicted that the tournament would be remembered for the country’s conduct instead of the competition and its ability to bring people together.
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“That will be the legacy, and the shame, of this World Cup,” Armour said. “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase the best of the United States and embrace the joy that soccer brings the rest of the world and, instead, we chose to be ugly Americans.”
The columnist criticized visa restrictions affecting Iran’s team and the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan. She argued that U.S. entry restrictions conflicted with the countrys responsibility to welcome international participants and fans.
“The U.S. is supposed to be a World Cup host, not a World Cup bouncer,” Armour said.
Armours columns received renewed attention after Barstool Sports founder condemned her on Thursday for invoking Emmett Till while arguing that Clarks conduct toward WNBA officials endangered Black and queer players.
“It seems there is a White nationalist element to Clarks fandom that is deeply, deeply problematic,” Armour said.
The FIFA World Cup concluded Sunday after 104 matches, including 78 in the United States. Nearly 7 million people attended matches, breaking the tournament attendance record, while FIFA reported 99.7% capacity through the semifinals. More than 8.5 million people visited official fan festivals across the three host countries, according to FIFA.
The final between Spain and Argentina drew nearly 63 million U.S. viewers
