FIFA Is Offloading the Bill: Why NJ Shouldn’t Subsidize the World Cup

In this episode of Auto Asphyxiation, examines FIFA through the lens of political economy and infrastructure governance, asking why host regions like New Jersey are expected to absorb massive public costs for private global events.

We discuss transportation strain, infrastructure spending, labor and security costs, and the familiar promise that mega‑events will “pay for themselves.” History suggests otherwise. From transit systems to local budgets, the burdens of hosting FIFA fall on the public—while profits remain privatized.

Rather than framing this as anti‑sports or culture panic, this conversation treats FIFA as what it is: a powerful global institution operating within permissive governance structures that allow cost‑shifting at scale.

If New Jersey and cities everywhere are serious about fiscal responsibility and infrastructure integrity, FIFA needs to start paying its fair share.