Super-sized 2026 World Cup draws criticism over cost and politics

FIFA's record-breaking 2026 World Cup across the US, Mexico, and Canada faces backlash for high prices, political tensions, and environmental concerns.

FIFA's grand vision FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the 2026 World Cup 'simply the greatest event that humanity, that mankind, has ever seen,' branding it the most inclusive and unifying tournament yet. He highlighted its pan-continental scale, political significance, and economic potential as historic milestones. The event spans 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first multi-country host setup. However, critics argue that beyond the on-field excitement, the tournament is rife with controversies ranging from fan costs to geopolitical disputes. ## Mexico City sets the stage Mexico City hosts the opening match at the iconic Estadio Azteca, a venue set to make history as the first to stage three different World Cups. The city reflects both the allure and challenges of the tournament, with issues like high ticket prices and security concerns overshadowing the spectacle. Protests have already disrupted preparations, as statues of World Cup players were toppled by demonstrators demanding higher wages for teachers. In Tijuana, the presence of Iran's squad adds another layer of complexity due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. ## US-Iran tensions overshadow matches This World Cup is unprecedented as it involves a host country currently at war with a participating nation. Just months ago, the US and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran, followed by retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, though a ceasefire was declared in early April. Iran's participation remains controversial, with US President Donald Trump initially warning it was 'not appropriate' for the team to compete. The US special envoy even suggested replacing Iran with four-time winners Italy, who failed to qualify. Iran has accused the US of denying visas to officials and imposing strict entry and exit rules for their players during group matches. ## Iran flag controversy intensifies FIFA is reportedly set to ban the pre-revolutionary flag of Iran from tournament venues, turning Iran's group matches—particularly those in Los Angeles, home to a large Persian community—into politically charged events. The first two matches for Iran will take place in Los Angeles, amplifying the significance of the decision. The country has also alleged that the US is attempting to interfere in sports through politically biased visa policies, further complicating the atmosphere surrounding their participation. ## Ticket pricing sparks outrage Ticket prices for the World Cup final were initially advertised at a maximum of $1,550 in 2018, but the most expensive ticket surged to $8,680 when sold to members of official supporters' clubs in December. A leading supporters' group condemned this as a 'monumental betrayal,' prompting FIFA to introduce a limited number of $60 tickets. The use of dynamic pricing, where costs fluctuate based on demand and timing, has drawn sharp criticism. On the official resale platform, fans faced exorbitant prices, with FIFA taking a 30% fee on each sale. ## Price controls investigation begins Authorities in New York and New Jersey have launched an investigation into FIFA's ticket pricing, alleging 'artificially inflated prices' and 'misleading fans.' Despite FIFA's claims of strong demand and over five million tickets sold, evidence suggests thousands of tickets for smaller nations remain unsold and available below face value. FIFA has been accused of dumping unsold inventory on secondary marketplaces like SeatGeek. Other costs, such as train tickets from New York to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, skyrocketed from $12.90 to $150 before being reduced to $98, with the governor blaming FIFA for refusing to subsidize transport expenses. ## Water bottle policy causes health alarm FIFA's late policy change prohibiting reusable water bottles at venues sparked fears for fan safety, especially as 14 of the 16 host cities are expected to experience dangerous temperatures. Critics believed the decision was driven by commercial motives. After a significant outcry from supporters and politicians, FIFA reversed the policy, allowing fans to bring sealed, disposable water bottles. This episode underscores the growing concerns over how financial and commercial interests may compromise safety and fan experience. ## US soccer market faces high expectations The 1994 World Cup in the US helped propel soccer into the mainstream, and this year's tournament arrives with a much stronger domestic league and significant investment in European clubs. US Soccer chief executive JT Batson described this summer as an 'incredible opportunity' to transform soccer in America. Yet a recent poll reveals that a majority of Americans believe the event is too expensive for average citizens to attend. Hotel bookings in host cities have fallen short of expectations, raising doubts about whether the tournament will achieve its ambitious goals. ## England fans face affordability crisis Thomas Concannon, leader of the England supporters' group Football Supporters' Association, expressed disappointment at the lower-than-expected turnout of 12,000 to 15,000 England fans for each of their three group matches in Dallas, Boston, and New Jersey. He noted that many passionate supporters have been priced out of attending. Concannon added that the excitement leading up to the tournament did not translate into the expected numbers, highlighting the financial barriers facing loyal fans. ## Political tensions and travel bans dominate FIFA president Gianni Infantino warned in 2017 that a US travel ban on citizens from six majority-Muslim countries was incompatible with hosting the World Cup, threatening to invalidate the bid. Despite this, four participating countries—Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast—have seen their fans face full or partial travel bans due to US immigration policies. Analysis shows that fans from over a quarter of the 48 competing nations face travel restrictions or high visa rejection rates. Last month, exceptions were granted to visitors from Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, and Tunisia, allowing them to avoid a $15,000 visa deposit. ## Journalists and officials denied entry At the weekend, the International Sports Press Association raised concerns over the 'long-standing and unacceptable problem' of denied entry visas for accredited journalists. On Monday, FIFA announced that Omar Artan, set to become the first Somali referee at the World Cup, was dropped after being denied entry to the US. No reason was provided by US immigration authorities, though Somalia is among the countries on the Trump administration's travel ban list. Craig Foster, a former Australian football captain and human rights advocate, called the tournament deeply politicized, stating that players, fans, and officials are not entering 'free of risk.' ## FIFA's relationship with Trump scrutinized Gianni Infantino has cultivated a close relationship with US President Donald Trump, including awarding him a 'FIFA Peace Prize' at the World Cup draw last year. Since taking office in 2016, Infantino has aligned closely with leaders of host countries, a strategy that has drawn criticism. The US has undertaken military actions in Venezuela, Nigeria, and Iran during Trump's tenure, with hints of further operations in Greenland, Mexico, and Colombia. Tensions between the three co-hosts—US, Mexico, and Canada—over trade, immigration, and drug trafficking have also emerged. ## Human rights groups warn of sportswashing Human Rights Watch described the tournament as a 'bonanza of sportswashing,' while Amnesty International warned it risks becoming 'a stage for repression.' Concerns focus on the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), part of the security apparatus, following its involvement in fatal shootings during immigration crackdowns. The White House's World Cup Task Force has promised the event will be 'the safest, and most welcoming sporting event in history,' emphasizing America's commitment to security and hospitality. ## Security challenges mount before kickoff White House officials recently warned that the reopening of the Department of Homeland Security was 'essential' after a man was charged with attempting to assassinate President Trump in Washington DC. A funding dispute had led to a partial shutdown of the department, exposing gaps in security preparedness. Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House World Cup Task Force, described the security task as 'unprecedented,' with local law enforcement facing an immense challenge over the 40-day tournament. He noted that planners had been 'planning with one hand tied behind their back' due to the shutdown. ## Ebola outbreak adds another layer of risk Authorities must now contend with the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, whose team is scheduled to play matches in Houston, Atlanta, and Guadalajara. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed coordination to protect millions of visitors, fans, athletes, and tourists expected during the tournament. The combination of extreme weather risks, such as electrical storms delaying matches, and the Ebola outbreak adds to the already significant challenges facing organizers. ## Climate impact raises serious concerns FIFA has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 50% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2040, but this World Cup's reliance on air travel makes it the 'most climate-damaging' in history. The tournament is projected to generate over nine million tonnes of CO2, nearly double the average of past World Cups. Environmentalists criticize the high carbon footprint, despite FIFA's claims of using existing stadiums to reduce impact. In their original bid, the host nations estimated 3.6 million tonnes of CO2, aiming to set new sustainability standards in sports. ## Heat and safety measures under scrutiny Earlier this month, leading scientists warned FIFA that its heat safety measures were 'inadequate' and could endanger players. FIFA insists it is committed to protecting the health and safety of all participants and has assessed climate-related risks. However, concerns persist over the adequacy of these measures, particularly as extreme weather events, such as electrical storms, have already disrupted matches. Saudi Arabia's warm-up game in Texas was halted for nearly two hours due to lightning, raising questions about FIFA's preparedness. ## Economic potential and commercial risks Gianni Infantino highlighted the vast economic potential of soccer in the US, noting it accounts for only 3% of the sport's global GDP but represents a trillion-dollar growth opportunity. The tournament's commercial success depends on whether it can break America's soccer market or be undermined by the controversies surrounding costs and politics. The stage is set for the world's biggest stars to shine, but the tournament itself may reveal the limits of expansion and inflation in the game.