The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City to usher in the biggest edition of football’s showpiece tournament.
The expanded competition, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature 48 teams for the first time and run for nearly six weeks before concluding with the final in New Jersey on July 19. Organisers project that the tournament will generate a record $13 billion in revenue.
However, the build-up to the tournament has been overshadowed by concerns over soaring ticket prices and visa-related challenges affecting fans, officials and team delegations.
FIFA has faced mounting criticism over the cost of attending matches, with some premium tickets reportedly selling for more than $30,000, sparking concerns about accessibility for ordinary football supporters.
Addressing the controversy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the organisation’s ticketing policies during a media briefing in Mexico City.
“When you compare the prices of tickets with other major sporting events in the United States, I think they are very, very accessible,” Infantino said.
He added that FIFA had responded to concerns by making lower-priced tickets available to fans.
“We made sure that there are tickets available for everyone. There are tickets at $60.”
The FIFA president also dismissed criticism over immigration issues that have affected the tournament’s preparations, insisting that visa decisions remain the responsibility of sovereign states.
“Every country decides who enters their territory. FIFA is not a country. FIFA organises a competition,” Infantino stated.
The visa debate intensified following reports that Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who had been selected among the tournament’s match officials, was denied entry into the United States. Concerns have also been raised regarding travel restrictions affecting certain national delegations and supporters.
Despite the controversies, Infantino maintained that the tournament would deliver an unforgettable football spectacle and emphasised the unifying power of the sport.
“Football unites the world. We live in a divided world and football brings people together,” he said.
“This World Cup will be a celebration of humanity, a celebration of football and a celebration of unity.”
The 2026 edition marks several historic firsts, including the expansion from 32 to 48 participating nations and the first time the competition will be jointly hosted by three countries. A total of 104 matches will be played across 16 host cities in North America.
As anticipation builds ahead of the opening whistle, organisers hope that the focus will ultimately shift from the controversies that have dominated the pre-tournament narrative to the football action on the pitch.
For millions of fans around the world, the tournament represents another opportunity to witness the drama, passion and unpredictability that have defined the FIFA World Cup for generations.
