FIFA faces criticism over logistics, costs and controversies at 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, has become a flashpoint for multiple issues. Critics highlight geopolitical contradictions, noting that while the tournament is held in the US – a country involved in international conflicts – teams such as Iran faced logistical restrictions and were forced to base themselves in Mexico. Financial transparency is also questioned; FIFA’s budget for the event is projected at US$3.76 billion, with operational costs alone exceeding $1 billion. Environmental concerns rise as the tournament’s carbon footprint is estimated at around 9 million tonnes of CO₂, driven primarily by air travel across the 16 venues. On the field, the semi‑finals attracted backlash over weekday 3 p.m. ET kick‑off times that clash with American work schedules and extreme heat in Dallas, while a controversial VAR decision in the Spain‑France semi‑final sparked calls for reform. Additional debates encompass the planned 20‑30‑minute halftime show featuring global pop stars, the use of flexible workspaces for business travelers, and initiatives such as Mexico’s tourism campaign and the FA’s “Made for this Game” inclusion program. Operational details like the specially cultivated turf for stadiums and Hilton hotels positioned near venues illustrate the event’s massive logistical scale.