The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the largest edition ever staged, kicked off on Thursday evening at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa in Group A. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, features 48 teams and will run until the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 19 July.
Projected to generate a record $13 billion (€11 billion) in revenue, the event has already drawn scrutiny over ticket prices, with some costing over $30,000 (€25,948). FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the pricing in a press conference on Wednesday, noting that entry-level tickets at $60 (€51) are cheaper than comparable prices for American sports playoffs. “Our average price, which is below $500, is again the lowest of the American sports on average,” Infantino said.
Political Tensions and Visa Controversies
The tournament has been overshadowed by political disputes. US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown has led to the denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry in Miami. The US State Department cited Artan's alleged “association with suspected members of terrorist organisations.” FIFA confirmed Artan will not officiate any matches, but UEFA announced on Thursday that he has been selected to referee the European Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in August. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin praised Artan's “outstanding officiating skills.”
Infantino downplayed the visa issues, stating, “We don't control everything… Sometimes it's good to chill, relax.” He also highlighted Iran's participation amid its military conflict with the US as a diplomatic achievement. “People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup,” Infantino said. “There are challenges, but I don't know who else would have been able to ensure Iran could come and play.”
Infantino's close ties with Trump have raised eyebrows, but he credited the US president for the tournament's feasibility. “Without his engagement and involvement, it would have been impossible to organise a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino said. Trump confirmed he plans to attend some matches.
Opening Ceremony and Match Preview
The opening ceremony featured Colombian star Shakira and Nigerian singer Burna Boy performing the official song “Dai Dai.” South Africa coach Hugo Broos warned his players to brace for a “wall of noise” from 85,000 Mexican fans. Mexico, who have never won an opening match in seven attempts, are determined to break the statistic under coach Javier Aguirre, in his third stint with the national team.
Hundreds of protesters, many relatives of “disappeared people” allegedly killed or kidnapped by authorities or criminal gangs, gathered near the stadium. Police set up a 1.6-kilometre security perimeter, allowing peaceful protests but restricting access to ticket holders.
Later on Thursday, South Korea and the Czech Republic face off in Guadalajara. European heavyweights Spain, France, and England are among the favourites, while reigning champions Argentina rely on 38-year-old Lionel Messi. The tournament's economic impact is already being felt, with a study suggesting it could boost Portugal's economy by nearly €1 billion. Read more about the potential economic benefits for Portugal.
As the World Cup unfolds, debates over its costs and political entanglements continue. MEPs have debated the tournament's implications in The Ring.
