World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico City as Trump's visa crackdown bars referee and environmental groups raise alarm
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to span three countries, starts today with Mexico vs South Africa, but controversy over US visa denials and a record carbon footprint have overshadowed the build-up.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to span three countries, begins this evening at Mexico City's historic Estadio Azteca. Over the next 39 days, 48 teams will play 104 matches, culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on July 19. An estimated 5.5 billion viewers are expected to tune in, according to a University of Georgia study, while 6.5 million fans will fill stadiums. For the first time, Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan and Uzbekistan make their tournament debuts.
Political headwinds
The tournament has been buffeted by US immigration policy. President Donald Trump has vowed to ensure "the right people" enter the country, after a string of high‑profile denials.
It's the most successful World Cup ever. Never sold tickets at that level. We are working on it closely to make sure the right people are entering our country.
On Monday, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was blocked upon arrival in Miami and deported to Turkey. The 34‑year‑old had been named one of Africa's top officials and was set to become the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup finals. The US also revoked the ticket allocation for Iranian fans, forcing Iran to relocate its team base to Mexico. Several members of Iran's coaching staff and federation still lack visas. FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the situation "unfortunate" and urged calm.
Environmental footprint
Environmental group Zero warned that the tournament's carbon footprint could reach 8 to 9 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (roughly one‑fifth of Portugal's annual emissions). Eighty‑five to ninety per cent of that will come from air travel, driven by the 16 host cities spread across more than 4,500 kilometres from Vancouver to Miami. Cities such as Miami, Houston and Monterrey face extreme heat, increasing the need for cooling, shade and water.
New rules under the spotlight
FIFA has introduced sweeping changes. For the first time, mandatory cooling breaks will be taken at around the 22nd minute of each half, regardless of temperature. The ban on reusable water bottles (only one factory‑sealed disposable bottle of up to 590 ml per person is permitted) has drawn criticism amid heat concerns. On the pitch, goalkeepers and players taking set‑pieces will face strict time limits, and temporary dismissals (sin‑bins) may be used for dissent. Off the pitch, fans are banned from retransmitting match footage, with penalties for commercial exploitation of official content.
Injury and fatigue worries
Former Portugal team doctor Henrique Jones warns that managing fatigue will be critical. Many of the 1,248 players will arrive with over 50 club and national matches already played this season.
The excessive competitive load is directly proportional to the injury risk for some athletes. It's not just about the number of games, but the recovery interval, and that varies enormously between players.
Star players like Bernardo Silva, João Félix and Gonçalo Ramos are among those who have logged heavy workloads. Recent months have seen serious muscle injuries, ACL ruptures and Achilles tendon problems rule out several would‑be participants.
Last dance for legends
The tournament is likely to mark the final World Cup for several all‑time greats. Cristiano Ronaldo (41) and Lionel Messi (38) lead a generation that includes Luka Modrić (40), Manuel Neuer (40) and James Rodríguez (34). Neymar (34) may also be making his last appearance, though his age offers an outside chance for 2030.
