The men's World Cup in Canada, the United States, and Mexico kicks off on Thursday, featuring 104 matches, 48 nations, and 16 venues across four time zones. It is the largest football tournament ever staged.
Tournament scale and conditions
Players will face gruelling conditions from Houston's heat to Guadalajara's altitude. The tournament ends on 19 July. After a build-up marked by hype, visa rows, and exorbitant ticket prices, many welcome the start of play when Mexico faces South Africa at the Estadio Azteca.
Controversies overshadow preparations
Fifa presents the World Cup as a vision of global unity, but geopolitical conflicts loom. US President Donald Trump, awarded a peace prize by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, has created tensions. The US is the first host nation to welcome a country it has gone to war with—Iran. Iranian officials claim key staff were denied entry. Somalia's referee Omar Artan was also denied a visa, and travel bans remain for some supporters and journalists. Trump's tariff wars and annexation comments have strained co-host relations.
Ticket pricing and inclusivity concerns
Infantino failed to prevent the Maga posturing and oversees an opaque, expensive ticketing system. For the US opener against Paraguay, 4,400 tickets remained unsold on resale platforms, with the cheapest Fifa ticket at $1,120. Such prices undermine inclusivity promises.
Football takes over
Despite off-field issues, the focus shifts to the pitch. The World Cup offers a globally shared experience unmatched by other sports. The 2022 final between Argentina and France drew 1.5 billion viewers. A rematch is possible. England seeks a first final since 1966, Scotland aims to progress from the group stage. Debutants Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan will cherish their appearances regardless of results.
Excessive commercialisation may have dulled the shine, but when Curaçao—the smallest nation ever to compete—faces Germany, glory is all that matters. Despite Trump and Infantino's influence, football retains its power to inspire.
