Bukele Sidesteps Soccer Failure, highlights Tourism Amid World Cup Qualifying Disappointment
SAN SALVADOR – Following El Salvador‘s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup under coach David “Bolillo” Gómez, President nayib Bukele conspicuously avoided direct comment on the national team’s performance, rather turning to social media to promote tourism and another sport gaining traction in the country. Bukele’s response, or lack thereof, has drawn attention as the nation grapples with missing out on World Cup contention.
The Salvadoran national team’s elimination from the Concacaf qualifying groups marks a setback for the country’s soccer ambitions and disappoints a passionate fanbase. While many anticipated a statement from the President regarding the team’s performance,Bukele opted to highlight El Salvador’s growing appeal as a tourist destination,specifically referencing the promotion of surfing in a key location at a high altitude. This strategic shift in focus underscores the administration’s priorities and its efforts to diversify national attention beyond soccer.
Bukele initially reacted to news of the qualifying defeat with a “trill” – a retweet – on X (formerly Twitter), as captured in a screenshot shared by @Bitcoinbeach. He then followed up with an Instagram post showcasing the country’s surfing scene, signaling a intentional redirection of the national conversation.
