1998 World Cup champion Lilian Thuram criticizes racism in the US ahead of 2026 World Cup

Former French national team footballer and 1998 World Cup champion Lilian Thuram has expressed strong disapproval of the decision to select the USA as hosts for the 2026 World Cup. The Frenchman voiced his dissatisfaction in an interview with Der Spiegel magazine.

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Thuram believes it is wrong to award the hosting of the next World Cup to the Americans, as he perceives that deeply rooted manifestations of racism still exist in the country.

Lilian is outraged that in the US, many Black people do not have access to healthcare, and many are wrongly imprisoned. He also emphasizes that one should not forget that the police, as representatives of the state, often kill Black people.

Thuram is convinced that the fight for equality must continue, and racists should not be allowed to shape the identity of Black people.

The former French footballer also criticized US President Donald Trump, stating that he disagrees with his slogan "Make America Great Again." Thuram questions when America was great and which America Trump is referring to.