The 2026 World Cup arrives in North America amid political tensions that could reshape the tournament's commercial landscape. Joint hosts United States, Mexico, and Canada will stage hundreds of matches while FIFA faces renewed scrutiny over corruption scandals and Gianni Infantino's leadership decisions.

Joshua Jelly-Schapiro reflects on how the 1994 tournament transformed American soccer culture, turning a niche sport into mainstream entertainment. That event generated unprecedented attendance and viewership, fulfilling FIFA's strategy to crack the lucrative US market. Since then, soccer has surged to become America's third-favorite sport among teens, rivaling the NBA in popularity.

Juan Villoro highlights deteriorating US-Mexico relations under President Trump, whose tariff threats and demands for political extraditions create an awkward backdrop for shared hosting duties. With 80% of Mexico's exports flowing to the US, these tensions could impact fan travel, sponsorship deals, and cross-border commerce during the tournament.

The expanded 48-nation format reflects pure financial motivation rather than sporting tradition. While fans will still witness moments of athletic brilliance, the 2026 World Cup demonstrates how geopolitics and profit imperatives now overshadow soccer's original idealistic vision.