World Cup 2026 set to kick off amid ticket row and global tensions

The countdown is over as the FIFA World Cup 2026 prepares to kick off on Thursday, ushering in a new era of football history marked by scale, spectacle and scrutiny. For the first time ever, the tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with a record 48 teams ready to compete across 16 cities.

The opening match will take place at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, where hosts Mexico face South Africa in a clash that launches nearly six weeks of global football fever. From there, the tournament will stretch across North America, culminating in the grand final at New Jersey’s massive MetLife Stadium on July 19.

This edition of the World Cup is already being described as the most ambitious and logistically complex in history. Millions of fans are expected to travel, while billions more will watch worldwide as football’s biggest stars chase ultimate glory.

All eyes will be on legends of the game. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, now 38, is aiming to cement his legacy with back-to-back World Cup triumphs. Meanwhile, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, is seeking a fairytale ending with a long-awaited World Cup title. England, led by Harry Kane, will also hope to end a 60-year wait for international success since their 1966 victory.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described the tournament as “the greatest show on Earth,” but the buildup has been far from smooth.

A major controversy has emerged over soaring ticket prices, with premium seats reportedly reaching nearly $33,000. The surge has triggered global criticism, with fans and analysts questioning the affordability of the tournament. Even political figures have expressed surprise at the escalating costs, adding pressure on FIFA’s leadership.

Beyond pricing concerns, the tournament has also been overshadowed by political tensions and visa-related issues. The exclusion of a Somali match official after being denied entry to the United States has intensified debates over accessibility and fairness in global sporting events.

Security and geopolitical concerns have further complicated preparations, particularly with Iran’s participation and reported visa restrictions on some delegation members. FIFA has maintained that it cannot interfere with national immigration decisions.

On the field, the expanded 48-team format introduces a new structure, featuring 104 matches and a more complex group stage where even third-placed teams can advance. Critics argue the change may reduce early-stage intensity, but supporters believe it increases global representation and opportunity.

New regulations, including mandatory cooling breaks and stricter time-wasting controls, will also be introduced to adapt to extreme conditions across venues.

As kickoff approaches, excitement continues to build despite controversy. Whether defined by sporting brilliance or off-field debate, World Cup 2026 is set to dominate the global stage like never before.