What is happening
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off on 11 June and run until 19 July, marking the first time the tournament will be hosted by three countries—the United States, Canada, and Mexico—and the first to include 48 teams, an expansion from the previous 32 1. Argentina are the defending champions, having won the 2022 edition 1. The opening match will take place at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with the final scheduled for MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on 19 July 20. Mexico will become the first country to host or co-host the World Cup three times 1.
According to FIFA, 48 qualified teams have finalised their Team Base Camp training sites, with 39 teams based in the United States, seven in Mexico, and two in Canada 3034. The tournament will involve 16 host cities and 25 communities beyond those cities hosting national teams 30. Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan are reported to be making their World Cup debuts 1.
In the weeks before the tournament, several logistical and political issues have emerged. The BBC reports that Omar Artan, a Somali referee and the 2025 Confederation of African Football men's referee of the year, was denied entry to the United States at Miami International Airport and will miss the World Cup 6. FIFA confirmed Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the tournament 6. RTE and France 24 also reported Artan's exclusion 3. The BBC notes that Somalia is among several countries on a travel ban list introduced by President Donald Trump's administration 6. The Guardian reported separately that the Democratic Republic of Congo's squad has been ordered to isolate before entering the US due to an Ebola outbreak 38.
The BBC reports that Iran's World Cup training base has been moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, following diplomatic tensions 36. Iran will fly to Los Angeles for their matches there, and the new base is closer to their match locations than the Arizona site 36. According to the BBC, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iranian players will be welcome at the tournament but individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face entry restrictions 36. France 24 reported that tickets for Iranian fans have been revoked days before the tournament, according to Iran's football federation 4. Reuters confirmed the training base relocation from Arizona to Tijuana 37.
The Guardian reports that FIFA has banned reusable water bottles at World Cup stadiums, a decision that has sparked anger among fans 16. The BBC adds that heat experts have warned FIFA about the health risks of the bottle ban, describing the policy as "reckless" 17.
Why it matters
The 2026 World Cup represents a significant shift in the tournament's format and scale. The expansion to 48 teams and the tri-nation hosting arrangement are unprecedented in FIFA World Cup history 1. The tournament's size means more nations and communities will participate directly, with 25 communities beyond the 16 host cities hosting national teams 30. This expanded footprint is intended to increase the tournament's global reach and economic impact.
However, the diplomatic tensions surrounding Iran's participation and the exclusion of officials from countries on US travel ban lists have raised questions about the feasibility of hosting a global sporting event in a jurisdiction with strict immigration controls. The relocation of Iran's training base from the US to Mexico underscores the political complications inherent in co-hosting arrangements 3637. The revocation of tickets for Iranian fans, as reported by France 24, further complicates Iran's participation 4.
The denial of entry to Omar Artan, a highly decorated African referee, has drawn criticism. The BBC quotes former England striker Ian Wright, who called the tournament a "World Cup of chaos" 6. The incident highlights the tension between FIFA's aim of inclusivity and the host nation's immigration policies.
FIFA's ban on reusable water bottles has also become a flashpoint. Heat experts cited by the BBC have warned that the policy poses a "real health risk" to fans, particularly given the summer timing of matches in North America 1617. The decision has been criticised as environmentally damaging and potentially dangerous in hot conditions.
Who is involved
FIFA, world football's governing body, is organising the tournament. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are co-hosting. Argentina are the defending champions 1. Omar Artan, the Somali referee barred from entering the US, was named the 2025 CAF men's referee of the year 6. The Somali Football Federation has contacted FIFA seeking urgent clarification 6.
Iran's national team is at the centre of diplomatic tensions. The BBC reports that the Iranian football federation submitted a list of conditions for participation, and that some FFIRI officials were turned away at the Canadian border 36. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iranian players will be welcome but individuals linked to the IRGC could face restrictions 36.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's squad is subject to isolation measures due to an Ebola outbreak, as reported by the Guardian 38. Heat experts cited by the BBC have warned FIFA about the health risks of its bottle ban policy 17.
What to watch next
The tournament begins on 11 June with Mexico's opening match at the Estadio Azteca 20. Whether Iran's relocated training arrangements in Tijuana will function smoothly remains to be seen, particularly given the logistical challenge of flying to Los Angeles for matches 36. The status of Iranian fans' tickets, as reported by France 24, is unclear 4.
The impact of the reusable bottle ban will become apparent once fans arrive at stadiums. Whether FIFA will adjust the policy in response to criticism from heat experts, as reported by the BBC and the Guardian, is uncertain 1617.
The broader question of how travel restrictions will affect the tournament's inclusivity is unresolved. The exclusion of Omar Artan has already drawn attention 6, and whether other officials or players from affected countries will face similar issues is not yet known. The DRC squad's isolation measures, as reported by the Guardian, may set a precedent for health-related restrictions 38.
The final will take place on 19 July at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey 20. How the expanded 48-team format affects the quality and logistics of the tournament will be closely watched by FIFA and potential future hosts.