The 2026 World Cup will be the largest ever staged, with 48 national teams contesting 104 matches across 16 host cities in three countries. The United States, Mexico and Canada will share the tournament, marking the first time the competition spans three continents in a single edition.
Political friction has accompanied the preparations. Tensions between host nations have been compounded by travel bans that could keep fans, journalists and support staff from entering the United States. Iranian citizens, for example, face restrictions that extend to other World Cup participants, while journalists from Iran, Senegal, Uzbekistan and Iraq have reported denied visas or lengthy detentions at U.S. airports.
The spectacle is also being clouded by financial concerns. High ticket prices and an opaque lottery system have prompted investigations by attorneys general in New York, New Jersey and other states. Some observers warn that the cost barrier may limit attendance despite the tournament’s global appeal.
Optimism Amid the Turmoil
FIFA president Gianni Infantino remains upbeat, promising the most inclusive and commercially successful World Cup to date. He projects nearly $9 billion in revenue and record television ratings, asserting that the event will boost global soccer development.
The human story adds another layer. Referees such as Omar Artan, the first Somali official selected for a World Cup, were turned away at Miami International Airport, while decorated referee Robert Luna faced similar obstacles. At the same time, stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo will play their sixth and final World Cups, and emerging talents such as Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal are expected to shape the tournament’s narrative.
The legacy of the competition will ultimately be measured by the quality of play on the pitch. As political science professor Jules Boykoff notes, the tournament’s focus on sport may be overshadowed by geopolitical and commercial pressures, but the hope is that unforgettable moments will emerge despite the controversy.