On the Eve of the 2026 World Cup: Political Tensions and Heated Controversies

The biggest World Cup in history is about to begin, as the United States, Canada, and Mexico prepare to co-host the expanded 48-team tournament. Football officially starts on Thursday when Mexico hosts South Africa at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. However, before a ball is kicked, the tournament has already encountered numerous controversies. Here are five hot topics on the eve of the opening day.

Iran's Tickets 'Revoked' by the US

The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said the United States has revoked the ticket allocation for its team's group stage matches, accusing the co-host of blocking Iranian fans' attendance amid ongoing war. “In an unexpected move, the ticket allocation granted to the Iran Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation cannot provide a single ticket to fans of the national team,” the FFIRI stated. The US has also denied visas to some Iranian support staff, as the two countries have been in a state of war since the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28. Both FIFA and the US organizing committee have yet to comment officially on the allegations.

Protests in Mexico City Ahead of Opening Match

The tournament opens in Mexico City on Thursday afternoon, but protests are mounting pressure on the government ahead of the big game. Demonstrators from the CNTE teachers' union have marched in Mexico City for days and threatened to block roads around Estadio Azteca before the opening match. The CNTE has been on strike since last week, demanding wage increases and the reversal of pension laws the government says are unaffordable. Teachers are calling for a protest on Thursday, joined by families of more than 130,000 missing people believed to have been killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs. Security has been beefed up in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup, and President Claudia Sheinbaum has assured that the match will go ahead.

Somali Referee Banned from Entering the US, Returns Home

Referee Omar Artan received a hero's welcome in Somalia after being denied entry to the US to officiate World Cup matches. The Trump administration said the US refused Artan entry because of links to “suspected members of a terrorist organization.” Speaking on Wednesday, Artan called the decision to ban him “fate” and urged Somalis not to be too disappointed. “What happened is fate. I am grateful for the support FIFA has given me,” Artan told reporters after arriving in the capital Mogadishu. FIFA, which awarded its first peace prize to Donald Trump last year, said it is not responsible for visa and entry procedures in host countries.

England Cautious Over Saka

England manager Thomas Tuchel said winger Bukayo Saka is still recovering from an Achilles tendon injury and needs careful management ahead of the World Cup. The 24-year-old suffered the injury in March but played through discomfort to feature for Arsenal late in the season. Saka also started in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain, where Arsenal lost on penalties. “Bukayo is still on the road to recovery, playing despite discomfort at the end of the season, but clearly he managed and played at a high level, though still not at 100 percent. He is someone we are building around and caring for in training,” Tuchel told reporters on Tuesday. Saka's fitness could be key to England's World Cup ambitions. He has played at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024, and scored three goals in four appearances at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Final Friendly Matches

Even though the tournament is just one day away, many teams still have final friendlies before the World Cup. England will face Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday to continue adapting to Florida's humidity. Meanwhile, Portugal has yet to travel to North America and will play one last friendly against Nigeria before flying to the US. Algeria also has one friendly left and will meet Bolivia in a closed-door match on Wednesday.