The one-month countdown to the 2026 World Cup gets under way on Monday with anticipation crashing into anxiety as soaring ticket prices, political tensions in Donald Trump's America and the war in Iran cast an early shadow over the football showpiece.
A record 48 teams and millions of fans are set to descend on the United States, Canada and Mexico for the first ever World Cup co-hosted by three nations.
The sprawling, nearly six-week-long spectacle kicks off at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca on June 11 before culminating in the final at New Jersey's 82,500-seat MetLife Stadium on July 19.
Yet a turbulent build-up has meant the 23rd edition of the World Cup risks feeling like a morning-after headache before the party has even started, with a potent cocktail of affordability concerns, politics and conflict already souring the mood.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists the pre-tournament unease is overblown, dismissing the tide of downbeat headlines as "negative press."
"The truth of the matter is that it's very difficult to find something negative around this World Cup," Infantino told a business conference in Beverly Hills this week.
But Infantino's bullish optimism has not been broadly shared around the football world.
'Extortionate' tickets
The skyrocketing cost of tickets for the tournament has triggered a global backlash which has left FIFA and Infantino scrambling to manage the public relations fallout.
Fan organisation Football Supporters Europe (FSE) has branded the World Cup pricing structure as "extortionate" and a "monumental betrayal", citing ticket prices that have put the tournament – expected to help generate US$13 billion for FIFA – out of reach for many.
The most expensive ticket for the final in 2022 cost around US$1,600 at face value; in 2026 the most expensive face value ticket being sold by FIFA now weighs in at an eye-watering US$32,970.
Infantino says the prices are appropriate for the United States, which will host the bulk of the tournament's fixtures.
"We have to look at the market – we are in the market in which entertainment is the most developed in the world. So we have to apply market rates," Infantino said.
FIFA has reported more than 500 million requests for tickets, compared to 50 million combined for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
However despite claims that the tournament is a sell-out, seats for many games – including the United States' opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles on June 12 – remain available on secondary ticket market sites.
Even staunch Infantino ally Trump has balked at the cost, reacting with surprise this week when informed of the US$1,000 price tag for the USA clash with Paraguay.
"I did not know that number," Trump told The New York Post. "I would certainly like to be there, but I wouldn't pay it either, to be honest with you."
'Exclusion and fear'?
As fans mull the cost of watching the World Cup, other critics have zeroed in on the feverish political climate in the United States, which is hosting 78 of the tournament's 104 games.
The re-election of Trump to the White House has upended the 2026 tournament's initial billing as a "Unity Bid" that would showcase the harmonious relationship between the three North American co-hosts.
Since returning to office, Trump has repeatedly talked about making Canada a "51st state" of the United States while launching a trade war with both neighbours.
Human Rights Watch has said the World Cup risks being defined by "exclusion and fear" due to Trump's crackdowns on immigration, demonstrations and press freedom, while Amnesty International warned the tournament could become a "stage for repression."
The US-Israel military strikes launched against Iran in February meanwhile have sent shockwaves through the global economy, with the World Bank warning the conflict in the Middle East could tip millions into hunger.
'Iran will play'
The war also sparked uncertainty about Iran's participation in the World Cup. It is the first time in history a host has been in a military conflict with a participating nation directly before the tournament.
Trump initially suggested Iran withdraw from the tournament, for their "own life and safety."
However FIFA supremo Infantino is adamant that Iran, who are scheduled to play their three group matches in the United States having seen their proposal that they be moved to Mexico rejected, will take part as planned.
"Of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026," Infantino told the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30.
"And of course, Iran will play [in] the United States of America."
Trump, who hopes to reap political dividends from the World Cup ahead of this year's midterm elections, subsequently said he was "OK" with Iran's presence at the World Cup.
FIFA and Infantino are banking on the controversies being forgotten when the on-field action gets under way and the World Cup serves up its trademark feast of drama and footballing brilliance.
Defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi head into the tournament among the favourites, alongside European champions Spain, 2018 World Cup winners France and England, desperately chasing a first major tournament win since 1966.
At the other end of the scale, the expanded World Cup will welcome several nations for the first time, notably Curaçao – the smallest country by population to ever play in the tournament – and Cape Verde.
2026 World Cup groups
Groups for the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which kicks off on June 11:
Group A
Mexico (co-hosts), South Africa, South Korea, Czech Republic
Group B
Canada (co-hosts), Bosnia-Herzegovina, Qatar, Switzerland
Group C
Brazil, Morocco, Haiti, Scotland
Group D
United States (co-hosts), Paraguay, Australia, Turkey
Group E
Germany, Curaçao, Ivory Coast, Ecuador
Group F
Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Tunisia
Group G
Belgium, Egypt, Iran, New Zealand
Group H
Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay
Group I
France, Senegal, Iraq, Norway
Group J
Argentina, Algeria, Austria, Jordan
Group K
Portugal, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uzbekistan, Colombia
Group L
England, Croatia, Ghana, Panama
Fixtures for the 2026 World Cup
Fixtures for the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which kicks off on June 11 (all kick-off times in GMT):
GROUP PHASE
Thursday, June 11
Mexico City: Group A: Mexico v South Africa (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Guadalajara: Group A: South Korea v Czech Republic (0200 GMT Friday, 11pm Buenos Aires Thursday)
Friday, June 12
Toronto: Group B: Canada v Bosnia-Herzegovina (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires))
Los Angeles: Group D: United States v Paraguay (0100 GMT Saturday, 10pm Buenos Aires)
Saturday, June 13
Santa Clara/San Francisco: Group B: Qatar v Switzerland (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires))
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Group C: Brazil v Morocco (2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Foxborough/Boston: Group C: Haiti v Scotland (0100 GMT Sunday, 10pm Buenos Aires Saturday)
Vancouver: Group D: Australia v Turkey (0400 GMT Sunday, midnight Buenos Aires)
Sunday, June 14
Houston: Group E: Germany v Curacao (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Arlington/Dallas: Group F: Netherlands v Japan (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Philadelphia: Group E: Ivory Coast v Ecuador (2300 GMT, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Monterrey: Group F: Sweden v Tunisia (0200 GMT Monday, 11pm Buenos Aires Sunday)
Monday, June 15
Atlanta: Group H: Spain v Cape Verde (1600 GMT, 1pm Buenos Aires)
Seattle: Group G: Belgium v Egypt (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Miami: Group H: Saudi Arabia v Uruguay 2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Los Angeles: Group G: Iran v New Zealand (0100 GMT Tuesday, 10pm Buenos Aires Monday)
Tuesday, June 16
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Group I: France v Senegal (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Foxborough/Boston: Group I: Iraq v Norway (2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Kansas City: Group J: Argentina v Algeria (0100 GMT Wednesday, 10pm Buenos Aires Tuesday)
Santa Clara/San Francisco: Group J: Austria v Jordan (0400 GMT Wednesday, 1am Wednesday)
Wednesday, June 17
Houston: Group K: Portugal v DR Congo (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Arlington/Dallas: Group L: England v Croatia (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Toronto: Group L: Ghana v Panama (2300 GMT, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Mexico City: Group K: Uzbekistan v Colombia (0200 GMT Thursday, 11pm Buenos Aires Wednesday)
Thursday, June 18
Atlanta: Group A: Czech Republic v South Africa (1600 GMT, 1pm Buenos Aires)
Los Angeles: Group B: Switzerland v Bosnia-Herzegovina (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Vancouver: Group B: Canada v Qatar (2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Guadalajara: Group B: Mexico v South Korea (0100 GMT, 10pm Buenos Aires Thursday)
Friday June 19
Seattle: Group D: USA v Australia (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Foxborough/Boston: Group C: Scotland v Morocco 2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Philadelphia: Group C: Brazil v Haiti (0030 GMT, 10.30pm Buenos Aires Friday)
Santa Clara/San Francisco: Group D: Turkey v Paraguay (0300 GMT Saturday, midnight Buenos Aires)
Saturday June 20
Houston: Group F: Netherlands v Sweden (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Toronto: Group E: Germany v Ivory Coast (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Kansas City: Group E: Ecuador v Curacao (0000 GMT, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Monterrey: Group F: Tunisia v Japan (0400 GMT Sunday, 1am Buenos Aires Sunday)
Sunday June 21
Atlanta: Group H: Spain v Saudi Arabia (1600 GMT, 1pm Buenos Aires)
Los Angeles: Group G: Belgium v Iran (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Miami: Group H: Uruguay v Cape Verde 2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Vancouver: Group G: New Zealand v Egypt (0100 GMT Monday, 10pm Buenos Aires Sunday)
Monday, June 22
Arlington/Dallas: Group J: Argentina v Austria (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Philadelphia: Group I: France v Iraq (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Group I: Norway v Senegal (0000 GMT Tuesday, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Santa Clara/San Francisco: Group J: Jordan v Algeria (0300 GMT Tuesday, midnight Buenos Aires)
Tuesday, June 23
Houston: Group K: Portugal v Uzbekistan (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Foxborough/Boston: Group L: England v Ghana (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Toronto: Group L: Panama v Croatia (2300 GMT, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Guadalajara: Group K: Colombia v DR Congo (0200 GMT Wednesday, 10pm Buenos Aires)
Wednesday, June 24
Vancouver: Group B: Switzerland v Canada (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Seattle: Group B: Bosnia v Qatar (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Atlanta: Group C: Morocco v Haiti (2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Miami: Group C: Scotland v Brazil (2200 GMT, 7pm Buenos Aires)
Mexico City: Group A: Czech Republic v Mexico (0100 GMT Thursday, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Monterrey: Group A: South Africa v South Korea (0100 GMT Thursday, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Thursday, June 25
Philadelphia: Group E: Curacao v Ivory Coast (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Group E: Ecuador v Germany (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Arlington/Dallas: Group F: Japan v Sweden (2300 GMT, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Kansas City: Group F: Tunisia v Netherlands (2300 GMT, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Santa Clara/San Francisco: Group D: Paraguay v Australia (0200 GMT Friday, 11pm Buenos Aires)
Los Angeles: Group D: Turkey v USA (0200 GMT Friday, 11pm Buenos Aires)
Friday, June 26
Toronto: Group I: Senegal v Iraq (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Foxborough/Boston: Group I: Norway v France (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Guadalajara: Group H: Uruguay v Spain (0000 GMT, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Houston: Group H: Cape Verde v Saudi Arabia (0000 GMT, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Vancouver: Group G: New Zealand v Belgium (0300 GMT Saturday, midnight Buenos Aires)
Seattle: Group G: Egypt v Iran (0300 GMT Saturday, midnight Buenos Aires)
Saturday, June 27
Philadelphia: Group L: Croatia v Ghana (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Group L: Panama v England (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
Atlanta: Group K: DR Congo v Uzbekistan (2330 GMT, 8.30pm Buenos Aires)
Miami: Group K: Colombia v Portugal (2330 GMT, 8.30pm Buenos Aires)
Arlington/Dallas: Group J: Jordan v Argentina (0200 GMT Sunday, 11pm Buenos Aires Saturday)
Kansas City: Group J: Algeria v Austria (0200 GMT Sunday, 11pm Buenos Aires Saturday)
ROUND OF 32
Sunday, June 28
Los Angeles: Match 73: Group A runners-up v Group B runners-up (1900 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
Monday, June 29
Houston: Match 76: Group C winners v Group F runners-up (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Foxborough/Boston: Match 74: Group E winners v Group A/B/C/D/F third place (2030 GMT, 10.30pm Buenos Aires)
Monterrey: Match 75: Group F winners v Group C runners-up (0100 GMT Tuesday, 10pm Buenos Aires Monday)
Tuesday June 30
Arlington/Dallas: Match 78: Group E runners-up v Group I runners-up (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Match 77: Group I winners v Group C/D/F/G/H third place (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
Mexico City: Match 79: Group A winners v Group C/E/F/H/I third place (0100 GMT Wednesday, 10pm Buenos Aires Tuesday)
Wednesday July 1
Atlanta: Match 80: Group L winners v Group E/H/I/J/K third place (1600 GMT, 1pm Buenos Aires)
Seattle: Match 82: Group G winners v Group A/E/H/I/J winners (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Santa Clara/San Francisco: Match 81: Group D winners v Group B/E/F/I/J third place (0000 GMT, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Thursday July 2
Los Angeles: Match 84: Group H winners v Group J runners-up (1900 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
Toronto: Match 83: Group K runners-up v Group L runners-up (2300 GMT, 8pm Buenos Aires)
Vancouver: Match 85: Group B winners v Group E/F/G/I/J third place (0300 GMT Friday, midnight Buenos Aires)
Friday July 3
Arlington/Dallas: Match 88: Group D runners-up v Group G runners-up (1800 GMT, 3pm Buenos Aires)
Miami: Match 86: Group J winners v Group H runners-up (2200 GMT, 10pm Buenos Aires)
Kansas City: Match 87: Group K winners v Group D/E/I/J/L third place (0130 GMT Saturday, 10.30pm Buenos Aires)
ROUND OF 16
Saturday July 4
Houston: Match 90: Match 73 winners v Match 75 winners (1700 GMT, 2pm Buenos Aires)
Philadelphia: Match 89: Match 74 winners v Match 77 winners (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
Sunday July 5
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Match 91: Match 76 winners v Match 78 winners (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Mexico City: Match 92: Match 79 winners v Match 80 winners (0000 GMT, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Sunday, July 6
Arlington/Dallas: Match 93: Match 83 winners v Match 84 winners (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Seattle: Match 94: Match 81 winners v Match 82 winners (0000 GMT, 9pm Buenos Aires)
Tuesday July 7
Atlanta: Match 86 winners v Match 88 winners (1600 GMT, 1pm Buenos Aires)
Vancouver: Match 96: Match 85 winners v Match 87 winners (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
QUARTER-FINALS
Thursday July 9
Foxborough/Boston: Match 97: Match 89 winners v Match 90 winners (2000 GMT, 5pm Buenos Aires)
Friday, July 10
Los Angeles: Match 98: Match 93 winners v Match 94 winners (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Saturday, July 11
Miami: Match 99: Match 91 winners v Match 92 winners (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
Kansas City: Match 100: Match 95 winners v Match 96 winners (0100 GMT Sunday, 10pm Buenos Aires Saturday)
SEMI-FINALS
Tuesday, July 14
Arlington/Dallas: Match 101: Match 97 winners v Match 98 winners (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
Wednesday, July 15
Atlanta: Match 102: Match 99 winners v Match 100 winners (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
THIRD-PLACE PLAYOFF
Saturday, July 18
Miami: Match 103: Loser Match 101 v Loser Match 102 (2100 GMT, 6pm Buenos Aires)
FINAL
Sunday, July 19
East Rutherford/New Jersey: Match 104: Winner Match 101 v Winner match 102 (1900 GMT, 4pm Buenos Aires)
related news
by Rob Woollard, AFP
Comments