The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially enters its final month on Monday, with excitement building worldwide but concerns over ticket prices, geopolitical tensions and logistics casting uncertainty over the tournament.
Set to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the 2026 edition will be the first World Cup featuring 48 teams and the first to be staged across three countries.
The tournament begins on June 11 at Mexico City’s historic Estadio Azteca and concludes with the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.
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While anticipation is high for football’s biggest event, preparations have been overshadowed by criticism over soaring ticket costs. Fans and supporters’ groups have raised concerns that pricing has made the tournament inaccessible for many traditional supporters.
Anxiety, anticipation as World Cup one-month countdown begins Monday.
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 nationshttps://t.co/hvZl8BQvLF pic.twitter.com/x4Ks8DzOMh
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) May 11, 2026
According to reports, the most expensive ticket for the 2026 final is being sold by FIFA for nearly $33,000, a dramatic increase compared to previous editions. Supporters’ organisation Football Supporters Europe has labelled the pricing model excessive and out of reach for ordinary fans.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has downplayed concerns, insisting criticism surrounding the event is overstated and maintaining confidence in the tournament’s success.
Political developments have also added complexity to preparations. Ongoing tensions involving the United States and Iran have created uncertainty over Iran’s participation, given the unusual situation of a host nation being directly involved in conflict with a qualified team before the competition.
Despite speculation, FIFA has confirmed Iran will participate as scheduled, including group-stage matches in the United States.
Former US president Donald Trump, who is expected to closely associate himself with the tournament during a politically sensitive year, also commented on the unexpectedly high ticket prices, saying he would not personally pay current rates.
On the sporting side, defending champions Argentina enter the competition among the favourites alongside Spain, France and England. Global attention will also focus on Lionel Messi, who could feature in another World Cup campaign.
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The expanded format will also welcome several debutants, including Curacao and Cape Verde, adding fresh storylines to an already highly anticipated tournament.
With one month remaining, organisers are hoping football itself will soon dominate headlines over politics and controversy.