World Cup kicks off amid $30,000 tickets, visa chaos, and Trump's shadow

The 2026 World Cup kicks off Thursday with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, launching a sprawling 48-team tournament that will last nearly six weeks across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. It's the biggest World Cup ever, projected to generate a record $13 billion in total revenue. But the buildup hasn't been anything but smooth.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino spent Wednesday in Mexico City defending eye-watering ticket prices that have topped $30,000 in some cases and brushing off visa controversies that saw a Somali referee and Iranian team officials denied entry to the United States. Infantino insisted the pricing was fair, pointing to a small number of $60 tickets made available after criticism.

“Let me just say that our entry price, which is 60 dollars, is the lowest entry price of any of the American sports in the play-off phases,” Infantino said. “Our average price which is below 500 dollars is again the lowest of the American sports on average.”

But the real storm has been over who gets into the country. Somali referee Omar Artan was refused entry after arriving in Miami. The US State Department said Artan had “associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations.” FIFA confirmed he'll play no part in the tournament. Infantino played it down: “It is unfortunate what happened to the referee from Somalia. We don't control everything… Sometimes it's good to chill, relax.”

Iran's participation was also in doubt amid its military conflict with the US. Infantino portrayed Iran's presence as a victory for FIFA. “People were saying Iran couldn't come to the World Cup,” he said. “I don't know who else would have been able to ensure in these circumstances — which we couldn't influence — Iran could come and play.”

Infantino's close relationship with US President Donald Trump has drawn scrutiny, but the FIFA chief praised Trump's role. “Without his engagement and involvement, I think it would have been, simple as that, impossible to organize a World Cup in the United States,” Infantino said. Trump confirmed Wednesday he plans to attend some matches.

On the pitch, South Africa coach Hugo Broos warned his players to block out the noise at the Estadio Azteca, a legendary venue that hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals. “They'll have 85,000 Mexicans shouting and singing,” the Belgian said. Mexico have never won an opening match in seven attempts. “We have to break the statistic,” coach Javier Aguirre said.

South Korea and the Czech Republic play the second game on opening day in Guadalajara. Spain, France, and England are the favourites. Reigning champions Argentina will look to 38-year-old Lionel Messi. England wrapped up preparations with a 3-0 win over Costa Rica, delayed an hour by thunderstorms in Orlando. Coach Thomas Tuchel said the team “set the tone today.”

The tournament runs until the final in New Jersey on July 19.