The wait is finally over for what FIFA is calling the largest World Cup ever, featuring 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations the United States, Canada and Mexico alongside a long list of questions and controversies that have followed the tournament.
The competition begins in Mexico City on Thursday, but excitement is mixed with concern over rising ticket prices, political tensions and major logistical challenges of staging a tournament spread across three countries. The action will run until the final on July 19.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has described the event as the “biggest, most inclusive” World Cup in history, predicting stadiums will welcome around seven million fans and billions more will watch globally. He even called FIFA the “official happiness provider for humanity,” though the scale of that claim remains to be tested.
The tournament arrives in the United States — which will host most of the matches — at a time of inflation, conflict involving Iran, and controversial immigration policies under the Trump administration, all of which have added a political backdrop to the sporting spectacle.
Politics and football closely linked
US President Donald Trump has been a strong supporter of the World Cup being held in the country and has repeatedly met Infantino at the White House. Their close relationship has drawn attention, including FIFA awarding Trump its inaugural Peace Prize last year after he missed out on the Nobel Prize.
A gold-plated Club World Cup trophy, designed by Tiffany, was also displayed in the Oval Office after the US hosted the tournament last year. Trump has reportedly been told he can keep it permanently as FIFA prepares a new version.
Political tensions have also grown internationally. Months ago, a German football official even suggested a possible boycott of the tournament due to Trump’s policies, including threats involving Greenland. Since then, military strikes involving the US and Israel against Iran have further escalated tensions in the Middle East.
Iran’s participation has also come under scrutiny. The team shifted its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, citing visa difficulties shortly before the tournament. Players also arrived wearing pins honouring victims of a missile strike on an elementary school during the conflict.
Ticket prices spark anger
FIFA is facing strong criticism over ticket prices, which many fans say are far beyond reach. Initial prices ranged from $140 to $8,680, while some resale listings have surged dramatically — with final tickets reportedly reaching nearly $33,000.
On FIFA’s own resale platform, prices have gone even higher, with some listings for final tickets reaching millions of dollars, though the organisation says it does not control resale pricing but earns commission from transactions.
Additional costs such as parking fees and transport fares have also shocked fans, with some rail tickets in the US rising several times above normal rates.
Despite FIFA’s claim of massive demand, public interest appears mixed. A recent survey found only about a quarter of Americans are even moderately excited about the tournament, while hotel bookings in many host cities have been lower than expected.
A massive but debated format
The expanded 48-team format has divided opinion, with critics arguing it dilutes quality and reduces early-stage competition, while supporters say it makes the tournament more global and inclusive.
Football analyst Jonathan Wilson said the challenge is balancing inclusivity with maintaining the tournament’s competitive integrity, warning that much of the real drama may only begin from the knockout stages.
Heat, travel and tough conditions
Extreme heat is expected to be another major challenge. Several US host cities, including Dallas, Houston, Kansas City and Atlanta, could experience temperatures above 32°C, affecting players, fans and staff.
FIFA has introduced measures such as hydration breaks and revised rules on water bottles to help manage the conditions.
Stars, stories and big questions
Despite the controversies, attention will ultimately turn to the pitch.
Lionel Messi, now 38, may be playing his final World Cup, while 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo is still chasing the only major trophy missing from his career.
Brazil, a five-time champion, is hoping to end a two-decade title drought under coach Carlo Ancelotti. England has appointed Thomas Tuchel in its latest attempt to end 60 years of heartbreak, while the United States, led by Mauricio Pochettino, will aim for a historic run on home soil.
US captain Tim Ream said the team’s belief is key: “If you go into a tournament thinking you have no chance, then what’s the point? Why not us?”