Why super-sized and politicised World Cup comes at a cost

By Dan Roan Sports editor in Mexico City Published 9 June 2026 "Simply the greatest event that humanity, that mankind, has ever seen". The words of Fifa president Gianni Infantino when hailing this summer's World Cup across the United States of America, Mexico and Canada. Never afraid to hype football's showpiece event, the head of the world governing body has portrayed the first pan-continental version as the most inclusive, welcoming and unifying to date. But many others would choose different superlatives. The most politicised, for instance. And the most expensive. Potentially the hottest, or the most polluting. Certainly the most lucrative for Fifa. Whatever one's perspective, it seems certain that away from the on-field spectacle, this super-sized World Cup could be among the most contentious ever. From controversy over the costs to fans, the impact of geopolitics and immigration policies, to security, extreme weather, sustainability and the role of US President Donald Trump, it inspires trepidation as well as excitement. So what will be the principal issues? How did we get here? And what is at stake? Mexico v South Africa Group A, World Cup 2026 Thursday, 11 June - 20:00 BST Estadio Azteca, Mexico City Listen on Sounds As the eyes of the footballing world focus on Mexico City before Thursday's opening match, the co-hosts provide a vivid snapshot of what makes the next few weeks so compelling and challenging. Here in this footballing hotbed, a city that has provided the tournament with some of its most iconic moments, the legendary Estadio Azteca is ready to make history as the first venue to host the start of three different World Cups. It is a tantalising prospect. But just as in the neighbouring US, where about 75% of the matches will take place, the high cost of tickets has caused concern, as has security in a country that has suffered from major cartel violence this year. World Cup player statues in the capital have been toppled by protesters, with teachers demanding higher wages threatening to disrupt matches if their wishes are not met. Meanwhile, in Tijuana, the presence of the Iran squad is a consequence of the complex political tensions surrounding the sporting action. The flag Iranians are not allowed to wave at the World Cup Published 21 hours ago USA & Iran: First time host country at war with a participating nation No other World Cup has been spread over three countries. Nor has it involved as many as 48 teams and 104 matches. But beyond its sheer scale, this tournament is unprecedented in other ways. Never before, for instance, has a host country been at war with a participating nation. Just last month, Fifa confirmed the Iran team had moved its base from Arizona to Mexico, the latest result of the military campaign launched in February, when the US and Israel attacked Iran, sparking retaliatory strikes across the Middle East. While a ceasefire came into effect in early April, strikes between the two sides have continued. In t