The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the largest in history with 48 teams. The opening match takes place Thursday at Mexico City's iconic Estadio Azteca, where Mexico faces South Africa.
Even before kickoff, the tournament has been mired in controversy. The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) accused the US regime of revoking allocated tickets for Iranian fans, stating: "In an unexpected move, the allocation granted to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under the current circumstances, the federation is unable to provide even a single ticket to supporters." The US regime has also allegedly refused visas for some Iranian support staff, as the two countries remain effectively at war since the US-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. FIFA and US organizers have not publicly commented.
Protests in Mexico City are intensifying ahead of the opener. Teachers from the CNTE union have been striking for days, demanding wage hikes and reversal of a pension law, threatening to block roads around Estadio Azteca. Families of over 130,000 missing persons, allegedly killed or kidnapped by Mexican authorities or criminal gangs, have joined the demonstrations. Security has been tightened, with President Claudia Sheinbaum assuring the game will proceed.
Somali referee Omar Artan received a hero's welcome upon returning home after being denied entry to the US. The Trump regime claimed Artan had links to "suspected members of terror organizations." Artan called the decision "fate" and thanked FIFA for support. FIFA, which awarded Trump its inaugural peace prize last year, said it was not responsible for visa processes.
England coach Thomas Tuchel revealed that winger Bukayo Saka is still recovering from an Achilles injury and is not yet fully fit. Saka played through discomfort at the end of the season, including the Champions League final. His fitness could be crucial for England's World Cup ambitions.
Many teams are playing final friendlies: England vs. Costa Rica, Portugal vs. Nigeria, and Algeria vs. Bolivia behind closed doors. The FIFA World Cup begins June 11.
Source: www.aljazeera.com