The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in less than a week, and before a single ball has been kicked in anger, it has already made headlines for all the wrong — and right — reasons.
With less than 20 days to go until the tournament begins, the world’s attention is firmly fixed on the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the three co-host nations of what is set to be the biggest World Cup in history. A record 48 teams will compete across 104 matches, dwarfing every previous edition of the tournament.
Mexico will face South Africa in the opening game at the iconic Mexico City Stadium on June 11, while the final is scheduled for July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey — temporarily rebranded as the New York/New Jersey Stadium for the competition.
But off the pitch, the drama is already in full swing. Trump’s travel bans could keep some fans out, there’s been fury over soaring ticket prices, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents could be present at games as the Trump administration continues its anti-immigration crackdown.
Even the tickets have caused chaos. FIFA confirmed that about 60 fans who purchased tickets got them for free due to a system error — but those fans were later sent emails indicating they would need to pay the full expected amount to retain the tickets.
On the pitch, current European champions Spain are favourites to lift the trophy, but every major team is under scrutiny. The USMNT will face Germany at Soldier Field in Chicago in a high-profile warmup fixture, while African nations are preparing to prove that the continent’s football has finally come of age on the world stage.
For Nigerian fans, the Super Eagles’ absence from the tournament remains a painful wound. But with 48 teams, African representation is stronger than ever, and there will be no shortage of teams to root for.
The World Cup is here. And it’s already legendary.
