League: FIFA World Cup Sport: Soccer Country: Global Category: Playoffs

Fans express concerns and hopes ahead of 2026 World Cup in host cities

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 2, 2026, 7:00 PM

Last updated Jun 2, 2026

Fans express concerns and hopes ahead of 2026 World Cup in host cities

Summary

Fans from the 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup, spanning Canada, Mexico, and the USA, share mixed feelings as excitement builds for the tournament. Many supporters express a desire for visitors to enjoy their cities but voice frustration over ticket prices and perceived neglect from FIFA and local politicians. The World Cup, which includes 104 matches across locations from Vancouver to Mexico City, is set to commence next summer, and ongoing discussions will focus on fan experiences during the event.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•2026 World Cup features 104 matches across 16 cities.
•Fans concerned about high ticket prices and FIFA's priorities.
•Tournament spans cities from Vancouver to Mexico City.
•Fan experiences will be monitored through a dedicated series.

Latest Updates

7:00 PMThe Guardian Sport — ‘Excited but wary’: fans in the 16 host cities share their hopes and fears before the World Cup

What they're saying

"
In the first of a new series of dispatches, fans in US, Mexico and Canada tell us that they want visitors to have a good time but are angry about ticket prices, Fifa’s priorities and a lack of long-term thinking from politicians The 2026 World Cup features 104 matches in 16 cities across Canada, Mexico and the USA, from Vancouver to Mexico City and San Francisco to Boston. Before, throughout and after the tournament we’ll be hearing from fans in those cities about their experiences – some shared and some different – in our “My World Cup” series. Here some of our correspondents share their first thoughts. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Guardian readers

Related Teams & Leagues

FIFA World Cup Soccer