The 2026 World Cup arrives as the most expansive edition ever, co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and featuring 48 teams. The tournament’s scale dwarfs previous events, with ticket prices for the final soaring above $40,000 before kickoff. Critics argue the pricing and a new FIFA ticketing platform amount to profiteering, prompting a local authority investigation.

Visa restrictions and heightened security have turned entry into a political flashpoint. Foreign fans face extensive checks amid nationwide protests and surveillance, while Iran’s qualified squad wrestles with a boycott. Amid the controversy, FIFA President Gianni Infantino touts a $871 million prize pool, guaranteeing at least $12.5 million to each qualifying nation. The distribution aims to boost grassroots programs across Caribbean and African federations.

North American venues sidestep the ‘white‑elephant’ syndrome of past hosts; NFL stadiums and modern arenas require no post‑tournament conversion. Fans enjoy legal alcohol, abundant hotels and free subway rides in cities like Philadelphia, though a Manhattan‑to‑Meadowlands train now costs roughly $100, a sevenfold increase. Local businesses anticipate record revenue from the influx. The tournament’s excesses define its legacy, not the on‑field play.