World Cup 2026 Begins Amid Ticket Price Fury, Immigration Row and Global Controversy

Posted : 10 June 2026

The FIFA World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, with world football’s governing body FIFA banking on the global appeal of the tournament to overshadow growing criticism over ticket prices, political tensions, and immigration restrictions affecting participants and supporters.

The expanded 48-team tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the largest and most complex edition in World Cup history. Millions of fans are expected to travel across North America for the competition, which will run for nearly six weeks before concluding at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July.

The opening match will take place at Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca, where hosts Mexico will face South Africa, officially launching a tournament filled with anticipation and uncertainty.

Much of the attention ahead of kickoff has focused on the stars who could define the competition. Argentina captain Lionel Messi, now 38, will attempt to lead his nation to back-to-back titles, while Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, aged 41, continues his pursuit of a first World Cup triumph.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promoted the tournament as “the greatest show on earth,” but the buildup has been overshadowed by criticism over soaring ticket prices and political concerns in the United States.

Ticket costs have become a major flashpoint. While the most expensive ticket for the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar was around $1,600, prices for the 2026 final have reportedly surged to nearly $33,000. Even high demand has not prevented a large number of seats from remaining available on resale platforms.

The issue has drawn criticism from political figures, including U.S. President Donald Trump, who publicly questioned the affordability of match tickets. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has also indicated she will not attend matches in her country due to domestic challenges.

Concerns have also been raised over immigration policies in the United States. Human rights groups warn that stricter enforcement could create an atmosphere of “exclusion and fear” during the tournament. These worries intensified after Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the U.S., despite being selected for officiating duties at the competition.

FIFA confirmed it was informed that Artan would not take part after U.S. authorities cited vetting concerns. His case has added to a growing list of visa-related issues affecting officials and supporters from multiple countries.

Iran’s participation has also been complicated by geopolitical tensions, with several members of their administrative staff reportedly denied visas, forcing adjustments to team arrangements ahead of the tournament.

On the sporting side, the expanded format introduces a larger group stage, with 48 teams competing for the first time. Organizers have also introduced new rules, including mandatory cooling breaks in each half, stricter time-wasting controls for substitutions, and tougher sanctions on on-field misconduct such as abusive gestures.

As the tournament begins, FIFA is hoping the football itself will dominate headlines, even as debates over cost, access, and politics continue to follow the world’s biggest sporting event.

World Cup 2026 Begins Amid Ticket Price Fury, Immigration Row and Global Controversy

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