On the field, the new World Cup holds great football promise. Increasing the number of teams means a wider presence of continents, markets and fans who did not always have the opportunity to appear in the tournament. This expansion gives the competition a more global character, but it also poses a technical challenge. The larger the tournament, the more difficult it is to maintain the same rhythm, the quality of the matches, and the viewer’s feeling that each confrontation carries real weight. Therefore, the first bet will be that expansion does not turn into inflation, and that football remains the event, not long schedules and tiring movements.
But off the field, the picture is more complicated. Ticket prices have become one of the biggest points of controversy before the start of the tournament. The World Cup, which is supposed to be a popular holiday, has become for many a very expensive experience, starting with the price of a seat and not ending with transportation, accommodation, and food. When some final prices reach astronomical levels, and a fan is asked to pay large sums of money just to be part of the event, it becomes a legitimate question as to who has the right to attend the World Cup. Is it the real game audience or the paying audience?
This controversy is not limited to tickets. The cost of transportation in some host cities also sparked clear anger, especially in the New York and New Jersey area, where the final match will be held. Even after the prices of some flights were reduced, the impression remained that the fan was entering the tournament with accumulated bills. This is where the deeper problem appears. The World Cup in North America doesn’t just sell a match, it sells an entire experience. This experience may be wonderful for those who have the financial ability, but it may be difficult for families and fans who are accustomed to viewing the World Cup as an event open to all people.
In addition to money, politics is strongly present. Holding the bulk of the tournament in the United States comes in a charged internal and external climate, with tightening issues regarding immigration, borders, and security checks. It is true that the American authorities have eased some conditions for categories of ticket holders, but the general picture is still linked to concerns about travel procedures, visas, and inspections. This puts FIFA and the organizers before a delicate equation. In Mexico, the security challenge is clearly present. Talk of deploying tens of thousands of security personnel reflects the extent of preparedness, but it also reflects the extent of anxiety. The matches in cities such as Guadalajara, Mexico and Monterrey will be held amid a large international following, and any security failure will affect the event. Mexico’s success in this aspect will be fundamental to the image of the entire tournament, because the opening itself will be held on its home soil, and any confused start will cast a shadow over the following weeks.
There is also a factor that cannot be ignored, which is the weather. Holding the tournament in the summer, across many cities with different climates, opens the door to a real physical test for players and fans. High temperatures may affect the format of matches, and prompt some teams to play more cautiously, especially in matches that take place during difficult times. Therefore, successful organization will not only be linked to the stadiums, but rather to the organizers’ ability to protect players and fans through rest and cooling periods and careful management of timings and crowds.
All of this does not negate the fact that the 2026 World Cup may be a historic event from a sporting and commercial standpoint. The American market is huge, the infrastructure in many cities is strong, and global interest in the tournament will be enormous. But market power alone is not a guarantee of success. Football is not a closed party for the elite, but rather a game built on people, stands, long journeys, and small dreams. If the fan feels that the tournament has moved too far away from him, that will be the greatest threat to the image of the World Cup.
