Trump and 'YMCA': Culture, Diplomacy, and Sport at the World Cup Draw

The protocol also included other presentations that reinforced the idea that the World Cup is not just a football event, but a space where culture, entertainment, and public diplomacy intersect. Beyond the viral effect on social media and media coverage, the use of 'YMCA' on this occasion illustrates how a piece of popular music can become a vehicle for communication in international ceremonies, even when its cultural history and adoption by various groups—especially by the LGBTQ+ community since its release in the 1970s—position it as a symbol with multiple layers of meaning. The song 'YMCA' and its legacy in the community The song 'YMCA' was released in 1978 by Village People, a musical group formed in New York with the intention of attracting a disco audience. In this context, the moment with 'YMCA' became a point of global attention, as it generated wide comments on social media and international media, where the mix of a classic musical performance with the participation of a political figure in a non-partisan context was highlighted. The song 'YMCA', composed by Village People and released in 1978, has transcended its musical origins to occupy different cultural spaces over nearly half a century. Although some of its authors have pointed out that the lyrics were not originally conceived as a 'gay anthem', the theme was historically adopted by the LGBTQ+ community and its choreography has had a constant presence in collective celebrations, festivals, and public events around the world. The performance of 'YMCA' at the World Cup draw and Trump's gesture generated a mix of meanings: on the one hand, the attempt to consolidate a festive and widely accepted public atmosphere in a global ceremony, and on the other, the discussion on how cultural elements with diverse social readings are integrated into the narrative of high-profile international events. The segment was part of a programming that, in addition to the purely sporting aspect, sought to enhance the appeal of the ceremony with renowned musical performances. The title of the song refers to the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), a Christian organization that provided facilities and spaces for young people to socialize, although over time the song was adopted by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of identity and cultural celebration. Over the years, 'YMCA' was incorporated into the repertoires of sporting events, popular festivities, and various social gatherings, consolidating itself as a piece that transcends its disco origins to become a widely disseminated cultural phenomenon. Entertainment, public diplomacy, and popular culture At the ceremony for the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, held at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., President Donald Trump starred in a moment that transcended the sports format by joining the dance associated with the song 'Y.M.C.A.' performed by the disco group Village People during the musical show that closed the protocolary event. The draw, traditionally centered on the configuration of groups and sports pairings, adopted a format that combined high-profile entertainment with cultural segments, in which the participation of artists and musical numbers created a bridge between entertainment and institutional protocol. This legacy has generated multiple interpretations, from its reading as a community anthem to its presence in political acts and high-profile ceremonies, such as the 2026 World Cup draw, where its use, even by prominent figures in the public sphere, underscores the complex interaction between popular culture and contemporary institutional scenarios.