The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is just underway and a range of pressing issues have emerged leading up to the anticipated start, which have shaped (or mis-shaped) the landscape of this monumental event.

From the complexities surrounding the host selection process to the challenges of infrastructure development, economic impacts, social implications, and the far-reaching effects of the American travel policies, the path to the tournament has been far from straightforward. Environmental concerns and security measures further complicated preparations, while discussions about the long-term legacy of the World Cup continue to unfold.

The 2026 World Cup is not just another tournament; it’s a milestone in football history. This edition is unique as it marks the first time the event will be hosted by three nations, and the first time that the “greatest show on earth” will feature 48 teams, up from the traditional 32. More nations will have the opportunity to showcase their talent on the biggest stage, providing a bonanza of 104 games, compared to the 64 matches played in the previous format. However, the lead-up to the tournament has left a lot to be desired, and this had its genesis from the time the hosts were decided in 2018.

The selection process for the host countries was anything but smooth sailing, with many arguing that the process lacked integrity and accountability. There were whispers of backroom deals and political maneuvering in the negotiations, and FIFA’s decision-making process left many scratching their heads, questioning how transparency and fairness came to be, well, somewhat fuzzy concepts. Politics and soccer have always shared a complicated relationship, and the 2026 World Cup is no exception. Allegations of political influence in the bidding process have surfaced, raising eyebrows and suspicions. There has been enough intrigue to fill a soap opera, with accusations flying about favoritism and undue influence, playing into the narrative of conspiracy theorists and scandal mongers.

The stakeholders involved, including stadium infrastructure, security, transportation (ground and air), waste management, and emergency services have raised concerns, and rightly so, about the supervision of thousands of fans at once to ensure everyone can safely celebrate, move around, and have any unforeseen emergencies addressed in the necessary response time. It is a colossal task that requires mammoth coordination and extreme foresight but for the players involved and the event’s spectators, there lies more immediate and pressing issues.

More than 6.5 million people are expected to attend the tournament, with most games being played in the USA, including the Final. Entry restrictions for America have stiffened and the screws appear to tighten at a seeming whim and fancy. These tightened rules mean fans from several participating nations are effectively barred from attending, especially Iran and Haiti, where only the teams and their support staff are allowed to enter the country, and even then, there are reportedly further limits, creating more exclusion than inclusion. The fact that the United States is at war with Iran is a first; never before has a World Cup host nation been engaged in a military conflict with one of the participating teams. It will also be virtually impossible for fans from Senegal and the Ivory Coast to attend games, as the issuing of tourist visas for citizens of these nations has been largely suspended.

Reportedly, the application of these travel bans is spreading beyond the restricted countries and appear to be applied indiscriminately to players, officials, journalists, and fans, with even persons from Sweden and Scotland being targeted. The latest high-profile individual being Omar Artan, who was named the ‘Best African Referee’ for 2025, and last Saturday, despite traveling with a legally issued visa and a diplomatic passport, was denied entry at Miami International Airportand sent back to Somalia. FIFA subsequently announced that he will not be able to officiate in the tournament – Artan would have been the first Somalian to officiate a World Cup game.

The next big ticket (pun intended) item, as far as spectators are concerned, is the ticket prices, with the cost more than triple that of the cheapest ticket for the last World Cup in Qatar (2022). Sales were exceptionally high when tickets were first made available, with many selling for thousands of dollars each, while premium tickets for the Final originally cost around US$11,000. FIFA, with their newly adopted “dynamic pricing”, under which prices fluctuate significantly depending on demand, saw fans paying different amounts for identical seats, even during the same sales phase.

Added to this are reports that buyers, despite selecting a specific category or location within the stadium, have received tickets for inferior seats. Fan organizations and consumer protection groups accuse FIFA of price gouging, a lack of transparency, and unfair sales practices and have filed a formal complaint with the European Union. The attorneys general of the US states of New Jersey and New York have also launched investigations into FIFA’s ticketing practices.

Nearing the opening game yesterday, very few matches had sold out and early this week, the Financial Times reported that nearly 180,000 tickets were still on FIFA’s official resale portal. From October 2025 (when tickets went on sale) to April 2026, FIFA hiked prices an average of 35 per cent, according to The Athletic, and the best tickets to the Final tripled to US$33,000 in May, with the very last available seat – located in the front row of a section near one of the corner flags – listed for US$690,000.

The journey to the 2026 World Cup was marked by a myriad of challenges that will shape the tournament’s achievement and impact, and the final verdict on its success (or failure) will come in the next few weeks, or maybe beyond. As stakeholders make the effort to address the issues of infrastructure, economic implications, and social responsibilities, the focus remains on creating a memorable experience for fans and participants alike. The hope is that this colossal undertaking will be peaceful and without geopolitical controversies and interference. The hope is that the host nations will not only pull off a successful event, despite political differences, but also lay the groundwork for a lasting positive legacy in the world of football. The fans deserve no less.

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