FIFA World Cup 2026 faces visa, cost and security challenges

The 2026 FIFA World Cup opened in Mexico City with Mexico beating South Africa at the Azteca Stadium, kicking off a tournament involving 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Organisers project record revenues of about $13 billion, but ticket prices have drawn criticism, with some seats listed above $30,000.

The tournament is also confronting geopolitical and logistical issues. Restrictions on visas under the United States’ immigration policy have barred a senior referee, Iranian officials and certain fans from entering the United States. Safety, environmental impact and the expanded travel distances between venues are further sources of concern. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the event, arguing that ticket pricing is appropriate and that the organization is working to address the various challenges.

These factors combine to create a complex backdrop for what is expected to be the most commercially lucrative World Cup in history, while also highlighting broader debates over accessibility, security and the sport’s global governance.