Newsletters
This year’s FIFA Football World Cup features a record 48 teams playing in three countries, but the start of the tournament has brought as much frustration and concern as excitement.
Mexico will kick off the tournament against South Africa at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 3:00 pm local time (7:00 p.m. GMT). The World Cup will run for almost six weeks, ending with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
This expanded tournament is the first to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the largest World Cup ever. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called it an unrivaled spectacle.
However, much of the attention leading up to the event has focused on controversies about ticket prices, U.S. immigration policies, and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.
Ticket prices have drawn the most criticism. In 2022, the most expensive ticket for the final cost about $1,600. For 2026, FIFA’s top-tier ticket is $32,970. Many fans have condemned the high prices, and many seats remain unsold on resale sites despite high demand.
Even U.S. President Donald Trump, who has supported the tournament, was surprised by the $1,000 ticket price for the U.S. opening match against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. He told the New York Post that he would not pay that much either.
Political tensions have made things more complicated. The Human Rights Watch warned that U.S. crackdowns on immigrants, protests, and press freedom could make the tournament feel more exclusive than inclusive.
These concerns started to grow just before the tournament when FIFA dropped Somali referee Omar Artan from its group of 52 officials after U.S. authorities refused him entry at the Miami International Airport. FIFA said it could not change the decision.
Iran’s participation in the tournament has also been a complicated issue. After U.S.-Israel military strikes against Iran in February, Trump first suggested that the Iranian team should withdraw for their own safety, but later took back his comments.
Iran later moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. Players can travel freely into the United States, but about 15 staff members have been denied U.S. visas. Iranian officials have called this decision deliberate and discriminatory.
Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches on U.S. soil, beginning with a fixture against New Zealand on June 15.
With 48 teams, only 12 will be eliminated in the group stage, and 32 will move on to the knockout rounds. Some critics say this format lowers the competitive pressure early in the tournament.
This World Cup will also feature several new rules. All 16 venues will have cooling breaks in the middle of each half to help players cope with heat and humidity.
Teams must now finish substitutions within 10 seconds to prevent time-wasting. Players who cover their mouths during arguments with opponents could get a red card under new anti-racism rules.
The final will have a longer halftime show, lasting about 25 minutes instead of the usual 15. Madonna, Shakira, and BTS are set to headline the performance.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, 38, is hoping to win his second straight World Cup. Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, is likely playing in his last World Cup.
England, led by Harry Kane, is hoping to end a 60-year wait for another major international title since their World Cup win in 1966.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
