World Cup 2026: Matches, controversies, and preparations for the expanded tournament

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, currently underway from June 11 to July 19, marks a historic expansion, featuring 48 teams across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This is the first time three nations have jointly hosted the tournament, which includes a new Round of 32 as part of its 104 matches. While some initially worried about the expanded format, it has already yielded thrilling results and inspiring performances from underdog nations, such as Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, the tournament has been met with several controversies. Significant concerns have arisen over soaring ticket prices, with some final tickets reportedly reaching $11,000, prompting legal scrutiny in the U.S. Additionally, U.S. immigration and visa policies have impacted fans and even some official personnel from various participating countries. Environmental groups have also highlighted the tournament's substantial carbon footprint, and there have been reports of labor disputes and infrastructure challenges in certain host locations.