“But when was America big?”: Liliam Thuram sees unworthy World Cup hosts in the USA

“But when was America big?”
Liliam Thuram sees unworthy World Cup hosts in the USA

05.04.2025, 12:05 p.m.

The French football legend Lilian Thuram cannot do anything with the slogan “Make America Great Again” by US President Donald Trump. In the United States, he still recognizes deeply rooted racism. The 1998 world champion wonders why the 2026 World Cup is held there.

The 1998 football champion, Lilian Thuram, criticized the award of the 2026 World Cup to the United States under President Donald Trump: “Why did you give the World Cup there?” Said the 53-year-old in a “Spiegel” conversation. “How many black people are wrong in American prisons? How many do not have any access to health care? In American society still exists in profound racism. The police, which represent the state, can kill blacks. That should also be discussed.”

Thuram was part of the 1998 French World Championship and also won the European Championship title in 2000. Today he is a activist, educator and is devoting himself to the fight against racism as a author. “Equality is not gained overnight, it has to be fought for,” said Thuram. “We must not leave it up to the racists to construct our identity.”

For Trump’s view of the world, the former professional from AS Monaco, Parma, Juventus Turin and FC Barcelona have no understanding: “” Make America Great Again ‘. But when was America big? Which America does he mean?” Asked Thuram. “That of slavery? That of the segregation? That the massacre against the indigenous population?”

He still perceives racism today: “I believe that white superiority is much more questioned today than before. But there are still people who want to remain superior because this is part of their identity well -being,” says Thuram. “People who say:” My life, my world, my economic situation, my country – everything would be better if we would get rid of the non -whites. “

The 2026 World Cup jointly carry out the USA, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 11th to July 19th.