"If a little is good, and a lot is better, then way too much is just perfect." This line by Mae West, the American actress and provocative icon, alone encapsulates the spirit of the 2026 World Cup: the embodiment of an unprecedented excess.
On paper, this edition is groundbreaking. It’s the first time three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—are hosting the event, and the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. Yet, as kickoff approaches, one theme overshadows all others: everything is bigger, pricier, and more contentious. “Hard to find a precedent,” explains Tim Sisk, a sports historian at the University of Denver. “Let’s just say this adds a layer of complexity unlike any before.”
The narrative surrounding this World Cup is unmistakably American: the United States dominates attention, relegating Canada and Mexico to the background. Promises of a spectacle “like you’ve never seen” are made. And it’s true: you’ve never seen anything like it.
Tickets at $40,000: a record of indecency
Ticket prices have sparked outrage. Final match seats are selling for over $40,000 even before the tournament begins. A local authority is even investigating whether fans are being subjected to shady practices on FIFA’s new ticketing platform—which takes a cut on every initial sale and resale. Has a head of state from a host country ever declared, “Frankly, I wouldn’t pay that either”? No.
Immigration, visas, political tensions: an explosive mix
Visa issues aren’t new. But never before has a host country faced nationwide civil unrest, violent attacks on foreigners, systematic phone searches of visitors for antigovernment activity, and entry bans for citizens of four participating nations. Welcome to the United States in 2026.
Traveling across a vast country by plane has never been a joy. But this year, add record-high airfare inflation, a chronically understaffed aviation security agency, and airport infrastructure that buckles under the first summer storms.
Iran and the United States: a military conflict on the pitch?
Has there ever been a World Cup where a qualified team considered not playing because they were in a military conflict with the host country? No. “Playing in a World Cup is their dream,” an former Iranian federation official told ESPN. “But not under these conditions.”
Criticism of host countries—Russia, Qatar—has often focused on human rights. But this time, it’s different. “Seeing this level of polarization and potential human rights violations in the world’s largest and most established democracy—that’s the real novelty,” notes Tim Sisk.
It’s not all doom and gloom. The 2026 World Cup also has its strengths. No empty stadiums: the infrastructure already exists (SoFi Stadium, etc.). Legal alcohol in stadiums and fan zones. Plenty of accommodations, even if they’re expensive. Free public transport in Philadelphia for supporters. Most importantly, $871 million will be redistributed to the teams. Some smaller nations (Haiti, Cape Verde, Curaçao) will receive $12.5 million just for qualifying. FIFA has set a record budget of $14 billion for the next cycle, with a promise of massive reinvestment in global football.
Infantino, Trump, and “peace” at any price
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, has already praised Putin (“We all fell in love with Russia”). But with Donald Trump, he takes it a step further: creation of a FIFA peace prize with no criteria or vote, awarded to the U.S. president three months before the attack on Iran.
Yet organizers insist: “Everything will be better once the matches begin.” And it often is. Starting Thursday at Mexico’s Estadio Azteca, the magic of the world’s most popular sport will drown out the criticism. On the docket: Lionel Messi defending his title, Cristiano Ronaldo seeking redemption, the United States with their most talented squad ever, England chasing glory, and Spain’s breakout star Lamine Yamal. There will be goals, suspense, drama. It will be the greatest World Cup in history—in every sense of the word.
