FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off amid high ticket prices and visa controversy

The 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, opening a 48-team tournament that runs nearly six weeks. The United States, Mexico and Canada are co-hosting the biggest World Cup in history, with the final scheduled for New Jersey on July 19. FIFA projects the event will generate a record $13 billion in total revenue.

How much do World Cup 2026 tickets cost?

World Cup 2026 tickets start at $60 for the cheapest entry-level seats, with an average price below $500 according to FIFA.

However, some hospitality packages have exceeded $30,000. FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the pricing structure, arguing that both the entry price and average price are lower than comparable American sports playoff events.

Why has FIFA faced criticism ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA has drawn stinging criticism over ticket affordability and visa complications affecting players, officials and fans. Speaking in Mexico City on Wednesday, Infantino brushed off the controversy while defending the organisation's handling of both issues. He acknowledged challenges but insisted FIFA had worked to resolve problems wherever possible.

The visa situation came to a head when Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry after arriving in Miami. The US State Department stated Artan had associated with suspected members of terrorist organisations. FIFA has since confirmed he will play no part in the tournament.

Iranian team officials and fans also faced entry difficulties, given the country's ongoing military conflict with the United States. Infantino framed Iran's participation as a diplomatic achievement, saying few organisations could have secured it under such circumstances. "There are challenges, it's not easy," he said, "but I don't know who else would have been able to ensure Iran could come and play."

What role did Donald Trump play in hosting the World Cup?

Infantino praised Trump directly, saying the tournament would have been "impossible to organise" in the United States without the president's engagement. Trump confirmed on Wednesday he plans to attend matches, though he provided no further details. He told reporters FIFA's Infantino said there had "never been anything close" to the success expected from this tournament.

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Infantino's close relationship with Trump has attracted scrutiny, particularly given the visa complications affecting non-American participants. The FIFA chief has not addressed that tension directly. His comments in Mexico City focused on the scale and commercial promise of the event rather than its controversies.

What can fans expect from the opening match?

South Africa coach Hugo Broos acknowledged his players will face an overwhelming atmosphere at the Estadio Azteca, a venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. "They will have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing," the Belgian coach said. "But we have to focus on our game."

Mexico have failed to win any of their seven opening World Cup matches. Coach Javier Aguirre said that record would serve as motivation rather than a burden. South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second opening-day fixture in Guadalajara.

Who are the favourites for the 2026 World Cup?

Spain, France and England enter as the leading favourites, while reigning champions Argentina will rely heavily on 38-year-old Lionel Messi. England closed their preparations with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica on Wednesday, a match in Orlando delayed by an hour due to thunderstorms. Argentina will look to Messi to drive them through a tournament that spans 16 venues across three countries.

Hundreds of protesters gathered near Azteca Stadium on Wednesday, most of them relatives of people who had disappeared and were allegedly killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs. Police established a 1.6-kilometre security perimeter ahead of Thursday's kickoff. Authorities said peaceful protests would be permitted, but only ticket holders would be allowed inside the stadium.