5 Big Issues The U.S. Must Solve Before The World Cup Kickoff
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The Fifa World Cup trophy is displayed ahead of the draw for the 2026 Fifa World Cup European qualifiers at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich, on December 13, 2024. (Photo by Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP) (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images)
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AFP via Getty ImagesPrior to the very first World Cup in 1930, work on the new 100,000-capacity Centenary Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay fell behind schedule. At the tournament's kickoff, it was not ready, but with builders working 2.4 hours a day, it was ready for Uruguay’s opening match against Peru on July 18.
That started a tradition that has been followed by just about every World Cup since.
Not surprisingly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup makes what transpired almost a century ago a cakewalk as it finds itself with more than its share of headaches prior to the June 11 kickoff.
There are many challenges, from security funding, ticket pricing, geopolitical concerns, visa concerns and the unpredictable summer weather across four time zones in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
TOPSHOT - Russian riot policemen take part in special security exercises at the Saint-Petersburg Stadium (Krestovsky Stadium) in Saint Petersburg on April 20, 2018, ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup tournament in Russia. The 2018 FIFA World Cup will be taking place in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. (Photo by OLGA MALTSEVA / AFP) (Photo by OLGA MALTSEVA/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty ImagesSecurity funding delays
The slow release of security funds made for some uneasy moments, especially for the a tournament that will include 104 matches over a 38-day period.
Funds were due to host cities on Jan. 30, but the Department of Homeland Security, houses the Federal Emergency Management Agency, missed that deadline. The agency had to shut down because a congressional budget impasse over negotiations concerning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That slowed down the application process, as a three-month delay ensued.
On Feb. 26, Politico.com reported that FEMA had not released the $625 million that was supposed to be allocated to the 11 U.S. host cities.
“With now only 106 days until the competition begins, we wanted to express to you the importance of finalizing and resolving any administrative concerns regarding the distribution of FIFA World Cup security grants,” the World Cup Host Committees wrote in the letter to the White House task force, according to Politico.com. Underscoring the urgency, they called the funds “critical to delivering a safe, secure, and successful World Cup this summer.”
It also made for some drama in New England.
In February, town leaders in Foxborough refused to approve an entertainment license for the seven matches at Gillette Stadium. The board said that it would not sign off on the games until it knew who will pay for security. There were concerns the game would be moved from Foxborough.
“All we’re asking for is a collaboration that gets us the answer as to who,” said Bill Yunka, vice chairman of the Foxborough Select Board, according to WCVB at the time. “It’s obviously an NFL game on steroids because this is a SEAR 1 event, it’s the equivalent of seven Super Bowls here and 39 days of coverage.”
After a month of uncertainty, the Town of Foxborough in Massachusetts approved on March 17 an event license to host seven World Cup games at Gillette Stadium. New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft agreed to pay security costs, along with the Boston 26 organizing committee.
On March 18, FEMA finally released $625 million to the 11 U.S. host cities to pay for its security.
"This funding, administered through the new FIFA World Cup Grant Program, will enable state and local officials to hold operational exercises, conduct staff background checks and strengthen cybersecurity defenses," the FEMA website stated.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino (R) presents US President Donald Trump a FIFA world Cup ticket for the final match in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on August 22, 2025. Trump announced the 2026 World Cup draw will be held on December 5 at Washington's Kennedy Center. (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / AFP) (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty ImagesOutlandish ticket prices
Ticket prices have been the center of controversy since they went on sale last year.
In the latest controversial moment, fans complained to the European Commission about ticket prices.
Football Supporters Europe said on Tuesday that it joined with consumer group Euroconsumers, complaining that FIFA had abused its position to impose exorbitant prices.
“For several months now we have urged FIFA to do right by fans and reconsider its aggressive and exploitative ticketing policies,” FSE executive director Ronan Evain said. “FIFA’s failure to engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders yet again has left us with no option but to join forces with Euroconsumers in filing this complaint with the European Commission.”
In December, FSE accused FIFA of a "monumental betrayal" when tickets were put on general sale. Tickets ranged from $140 for the cheapest group games to $8,680 for the final. The least expensive tickets for the July 19 championship game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. were $4,185. However, prices were subject to change because FIFA will use dynamic pricing.
That makes ticket prices even more unpredictable.
"FIFA holds a monopoly over ticket sales for the 2026 World Cup and has used that power to impose conditions on fans that would never be acceptable in a competitive market," FSE and Euroconsumers said in a joint statement.
Due to a fan backlash, soccer's world governing body cut some ticket prices to $60. That allowed qualified teams to distribute tickets to loyal supporters, but that came out to only 10 percent of its allocation.
A FIFA spokesperson said: “FIFA has been made aware of statements concerning an apparent complaint, which FIFA has not formally received. FIFA is therefore not in a position to comment further at this stage.
“FIFA is focused on ensuring fair access to our game for existing and prospective fans. As a not-for-profit organization, the revenue FIFA generates from the World Cup is reinvested to fuel the growth of the game – men, women, youth – throughout FIFA’s 211 member associations globally.“
Tickets for the 2026 tournament are in a different universe than when the USA hosted the 1994 World Cup.
Thirty-two years ago, tickets ranged from $25 for the least-expensive seat for a first-round match, to $475 for the best seat at the final at the Rose Bowl, according to the Los Angeles Times. The average ticket price was $58.
According to the Forbes.com inflation calculator, prices have risen 115.02 percent since 1994. In other words, whatever cost a dollar then is $2.15 today.
On Wednesday, FIFA announced its fourth and final World Cup ticket sale, which will begin on April 1 at 11 a.m. ET. Yes, there likely will be many jokes about that falling on April Fools Day.
But these are the facts:
FIFA is calling this the Last-Minute Sales Phase. The organization said that it allows the general public to purchase tickets via FIFA.com/tickets, and will remain open until the end of the competition.
Tickets during this phase will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. According to a FIFA press release, fans will be able to see the matches and categories for which tickets are available, select seats, and purchase the tickets. Those fans Ticket who have bought tickets in other phases also will be able to see the seats that have been allocated to them.
Players of Iran sing the national anthem during the final match between Indonesia and Iran at the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, on February 7, 2026. (Photo by Claudio Pramana/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe Iranian question
Will Iran play or not?
Earlier this month, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said that his country cannot participate in the World Cup in the wake of the U.S. and Israel bombing Iran, attacks that killed the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
"Considering that this corrupt regime has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances can we participate in the World Cup," Donyamali told Iranian state television, according to Reuters.
"Our children are not safe and, fundamentally, such conditions for participation do not exist."
"Given the malicious actions they have carried out against Iran, they have forced two wars on us over eight or nine months and have killed and martyred thousands of our people. Therefore, we certainly cannot have such a presence."
As of Wednesday night, Iran is still a participant in the 48-team tournament, although there has been speculation that the Middle Eastern country could drop out. But given what has transpired in the last several weeks in wake of the U.S. bombing Iran, that situation can be fluid.
Iran has asked FIFA if it could play its games in Mexico, which is a co-host of the tournament along with Canada and the USA. The Iranians, who will compete in Group G along with Belgium, New Zealand and have asked FIFA about that possibility.
On March 17, FIFA responded to the speculation surrounding Iran's participation — or the prospect of moving all their group matches to Mexico — with a spokesperson saying: "FIFA is in regular contact with all participating member associations, including IR Iran, to discuss planning for the FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA is looking forward to all participating teams competing as per the match schedule announced on 6 December 2025."
It should be noted that no team has dropped out of the World Cup this close to the start of the competition.
A young Senegal fan waves a flag prior to the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group A football match between Senegal and the Netherlands at the Al-Thumama Stadium in Doha on November 21, 2022. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
AFP via Getty ImagesVisa headaches
A new policy from the Trump administration could require travelers and fans from five nations that have qualified for the World Cup to pay a bond of as much as $15,000 to enter the U.S. Those countries are Algeria, Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal and Tunisia, from 50 nations on the Visa Bond Pilot Program.
According to The Guardian, visa bonds are similar to security deposits. They are one-time payments are expected to be refunded after a traveler leaves the country under their visa terms. Bonds usually run between $5,000 and $15,000, and are required for passport holders from certain countries to enter the US legally under B-1 or B-2 visas, the types required for business travelers or tourists.
Those bonds are refundable, but the visa bonds would make travel to the U.S. next to impossible because the average income for citizens in those countries is less than $5,000, The Guardian reported.
Unless the Trump administration changes its tune, many African fans will be left out in the cold.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JUNE 19: Stadium evacuated due to adverse weather conditions during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 group A match between SE Palmeiras and Al Ahly SC at MetLife Stadium on June 19, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Getty ImagesWeathering the storms and heat
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup reminded us of how severe weather can be in the summer in the U.S., and how it affected soccer matches.
Some games were played in temperatures more than 90 degrees, as this writer reported in a column by this writer last June.
After his Paris Saint-Germain team recorded a 4-0 victory past Atletico Madrid in Pasadena, Calif. on June 15, coach Luis Enrique said: “The teams are suffering.”
Enrique also told DAZN: "Happy. I think we are competing at the same level as we were before. Even with this temperature and heat. You have to manage [the heat] because it's the best time for the European countries, but it's difficult to play in those conditions."
In an effort to help the players cool off, FIFA said on Dec. 7, 2025 that all games will have water breaks in each half.
“For every game, no matter where the games are played, no matter if there’s a roof, (or) temperature-wise, there will be a three-minute hydration break. It will be three minutes from whistle to whistle in both halves,” said Manolo Zubiria, Chief Tournament Officer, USA, for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
When some players weren't sweating, some were forced to run for cover due to thunderstorms.
Four games over a three-day period were affected by severe summer weather:
* Mamelodi Sundowns vs. Ulsan HD at Inter & Co. Stadium, Orlando (June 18) - The kickoff of Mamelodi's 1-0 triumph was delayed for an hour by severe weather conditions in the area.
* Red Bull Salzburg vs. Pachuca at TQL Stadium, Cincinnati (June 19) - Salzburg's 2-1 win had a 90-minute interruption due to a severe thunderstorm.
* Palmeiras vs. Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. (June 19) - Palmeiras' 2-0 win was delayed for 40 minutes over fears of stormy weather.
* And Benfica vs. Auckland City, Inter & Co. Stadium, Orlando (June 20) - Benfica's 6-0 victory was suspended for nearly two hours after halftime due to a thunderstorm.
"It wasn't easy to get back to the rhythm that the game was playing at that time," Al Ahly coach Jose Riveiro told CBSSports.com. "You have to also understand that most of the teams, including ourselves, we're coming from very long seasons, the levels of energy are not at the best, so this type of interruptions are obviously not going to help for the show."
While it will be difficult to change the weather, some of the above problems could be resolved with 78 days until the kickoff in Mexico City on June 11.
Michael Lewis, the sixth recipient of the Clay Berling Media Career of Excellence Award in 2025, can be followed on X (formerly Twitter) and Bluesky at @Soccerwriter. His 10th soccer book, Around the World Cup in 40 Years: An American sportswriter's perspective, will be published this spring.