With one hundred days to go before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, preparations are entering a decisive phase. While FIFA reports successful ticket sales, media outlets are revealing problems with ticket availability and their record-high prices on the secondary market. Simultaneously, the German women's national team successfully began their qualifying campaign for their own tournament, while the DFB federation grapples with an internal dispute over a potential boycott of the men's World Cup.

Ticket Crisis and High Prices

Despite FIFA's optimistic statements, prices on the secondary market in Mexico reach one million pesos, and the real availability of tickets for fans is being questioned by the media.

Success of German Women Footballers

The German women's national team impressively began their World Cup qualifying campaign, defeating Slovenia in the match that opened their qualification battle.

Political Disputes Within the DFB

A conflict is ongoing within the German Football Association regarding the approach to the men's World Cup, including discussions about potential boycotts or ideological demonstrations.

Security Concerns in Mexico

With 100 days to go before the tournament, experts and media are analyzing the level of security in Mexican host cities in light of local crime rates.

Preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have reached the symbolic milestone of one hundred days until the opening match. The tournament, which for the first time in history will host 48 national teams across 16 cities in three countries, is generating immense excitement but also serious logistical and financial concerns. The main topic of debate remains the ticket distribution policy. While Gianni Infantino assures of record-breaking interest, media reports suggest that the governing body of world football still holds significant unsold ticket pools. This phenomenon contrasts with the situation on the secondary market in Mexico, where prices for the most sought-after seats are reaching a staggering one million pesos. The high costs of attending the event are becoming a barrier for average fans, raising questions about the inclusivity of the upcoming championship. The 2026 World Cup will be the first in history co-hosted by three countries and the first with an expanded format of 48 teams, marking the biggest reform of the tournament since 1998. Parallel to organizational issues, sporting battles for women are underway in Europe. The German national team spectacularly inaugurated their qualifying campaign for their own World Cup, defeating Slovenia by a wide margin. This victory provides a significant promotional boost for women's football, which in Germany enjoys growing prestige, evidenced even by schedule changes at the ARD broadcaster. However, the mood in men's football is quite different. Within the German Football Association (DFB), a conflict has erupted regarding the stance towards the 2026 tournament. The organization's vice-president publicly criticized the president, demanding a clearer position on the ideological and political issues surrounding the event's organization in North America. „World Cup tickets are selling out at record speeds, proving that the world cannot wait for this historic tournament.” — Gianni Infantino Security constitutes another flashpoint, particularly in the context of Mexican cities like Guadalajara. Experts are analyzing the readiness of services to secure such a massive event in regions grappling with high crime rates. In the United States, attention focuses on the sporting form of the national team (USMNT) and the infrastructure readiness in Boston and New York. Meanwhile, English players express fears of being used as "political spokespersons" amid international tensions. The situation is complicated by reports of possible sanctions for federations considering withdrawal from the tournament, which includes, among others, speculation concerning the Iranian national team. With one hundred days to go, the 2026 World Cup appears as a project of unprecedented scale, yet still full of unresolved ethical and economic dilemmas.

Mentioned People

  • Gianni Infantino — President of FIFA, responsible for global management of the upcoming World Cup and ticket policy.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo — Portuguese footballer, whose injury was reported by his club in the context of upcoming matches.
  • Larissa Mühlhaus — German national team player who scored a goal on her debut during the match against Slovenia.