World Cup controversy amid excitement over matches in North America
The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 11, 2026, 6:57 PM
Last updated Jun 11, 2026
The World Cup is underway, featuring 104 matches across the United States, Mexico, and Canada until 19 July. Amid this significant event, there are rising concerns over ticket prices, transportation costs, and climate implications that have led to mixed feelings among fans. Columnist Jonathan Liew argues that the current U.S. political climate sets a different tone compared to past World Cup hosts, increasing scrutiny on FIFA’s leadership. The tournament continues as these debates unfold, with ongoing discussions about its future viability and governance.
- •104 matches played until 19 July 2026.
- •Concerns focus on ticket prices and transportation costs.
- •Columnist Jonathan Liew critiques FIFA's leadership.
- •Political climate in the U.S. adds scrutiny to the event.
- •Discussions about the tournament's future are ongoing.
- 6:57 PMThe Guardian Sport — 'A shameless cash grab': can the World Cup be saved?
"For the next 39 days, 104 matches will be played throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada until a World Cup winner is crowned on 19 July. Amid the excitement around the world’s biggest sporting event, there has also been intense controversy and scrutiny. Ticket prices, transport costs, climate threats and security concerns have left fans with mixed emotions. “The US of Donald Trump is tonally different to any host of a major sporting event that has preceded it: a country that actively wants you to see the darkness in its heart, the inhumanity at its core, that gets off on your revulsion,” writes Guardian columnist Jonathan Liew. But ultimately who takes the blame? Fifa, argues Jonathan. Opinion: how the Omar Artan scandal reveals Gianni Infantino for what he is: one of sport’s greatest cowards Continue reading...
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