With the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup just 100 days away, the conversation has shifted from the pitch to the rising tensions in the Middle East and what the conflict means for host nations, the US, Canada, and Mexico.
The main concerns are security in the Americas, as the US and Israel continue airstrikes on Iran. There are also concerns about whether the Iranian team will participate in the tournament.
The Iran conflict also leaves FIFA to navigate a political minefield after it recently awarded President Donald Trump a Peace Prize.
Meanwhile, the recent cartel violence in Mexico has forced FIFA and Mexican officials to issue public assurances regarding fan safety during matches.
Domestically, the $875 million earmarked for host cities’ security needs is caught up in a dispute over Homeland Security funding in Congress.
Local officials in Miami and Kansas City warn that the funds are “critical” for hiring new staff and conducting Fan Fest celebrations.
In Boston’s Foxborough, a standoff persists as the town refuses to grant an entertainment license for Gillette Stadium until $7.8 million in security costs are covered.
Fans are facing sticker shock, with some matches, like the opening US-Paraguay faceoff, reaching as high as $2,700 per ticket. Six tournament spots also remain undecided, with final playoffs scheduled for late March.