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World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico City amid controversies

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 10, 2026, 1:02 PM

Last updated Jun 10, 2026

World Cup 2026 kicks off in Mexico City amid controversies

Summary

The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in Mexico City on Thursday, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament faces scrutiny over high ticket prices and political tensions, with FIFA president Gianni Infantino predicting broad engagement. Concerns arise regarding Iran's participation due to visa issues and regional conflict amid rising oil prices. Polls indicate limited excitement among American fans, and booking numbers in host cities are below expectations.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•Tournament features 48 teams and lasts nearly six weeks.
•Ticket prices range from $140 to $32,970 for the final.
•Iran's team faces visa problems, has relocated training base.
•FIFA reports 7 million fans expected in stadiums.
•Poll shows only 26% of Americans excited about the World Cup.

Latest Updates

1:02 PMYahoo Sports — Politics and sport collide at the biggest World Cup in history

What they're saying

"
The wait is over for the biggest World Cup ever with 48 teams, 104 matches, three host nations and a slew of questions and controversies swirling around the highly scrutinized event that will last for nearly six weeks. The tournament kicks off in Mexico City on Thursday amid concerns about soaring ticket prices and political tensions.
— Yahoo Sports

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