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Research Paper | Political Science | Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026 | Pages: 1184 - 1188 | India
From the Couch to the Global Stage: Social Media, Soft Power, and International Relations in the FIFA World Cup 2026
Abstract: The FIFA World Cup has evolved from a mere sporting competition into a global platform where culture, politics, identity, and diplomacy intersect. The rise of social media has further transformed football into a digital arena where nations, athletes, organisations, and ordinary citizens help shape international narratives. This article explores the relationship between social media, international relations, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 by examining football as an instrument of soft power and digital diplomacy. Beginning with a personal reflection on the changing social significance of football, the article argues that the sport has become an important vehicle for nations to project identity, influence global perceptions, and engage in international communication. The World Cup 2026, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offers a unique opportunity to examine how football operates within contemporary geopolitics, particularly through the expanding influence of social media.
Keywords: Football Diplomacy, Social Media, International Relations, Soft Power, FIFA World Cup 2026, Digital Diplomacy, Public Diplomacy
How to Cite?: H. Lalzuithangi, "From the Couch to the Global Stage: Social Media, Soft Power, and International Relations in the FIFA World Cup 2026", Volume 15 Issue 7, July 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1184-1188, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26714132417, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26714132417