Critics say security concerns and high costs risk making the 2026 FIFA World Cup one of the least anticipated tournaments of this era.
This sentiment emerges as the event prepares to launch on a scale never before seen in the sport. The combination of logistical hurdles and safety fears could alienate the global fan base and diminish the prestige of the competition.
The tournament is scheduled to begin June 11, 2026 [1]. It will be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico [2]. This edition marks a significant shift in the competition's structure, featuring an expanded 48-team tournament [3].
Despite the expanded format, sports journalist Thando Sibiya said "deplorable issues" and multiple controversies risk "killing the ambiance" of the event. These issues include exorbitant ticket prices that may price out average supporters and significant security concerns.
Specific safety threats have cast a shadow over the preparations. Reports indicate a real possibility of terrorism risks associated with matches held in the U.S. [1]. These security clouds, combined with the financial burden on attendees, have led to the perception that the event is losing its appeal.
Fairy-tale expectations for the North American hosting are being replaced by a focus on risk management. The scale of the three-nation hosting arrangement adds layers of complexity to the security and transportation plans required to move fans across the continent.
Host Oliver Farry and Sibiya said these challenges in a recent broadcast, highlighting how the intersection of politics, security, and corporate pricing is impacting the mood surrounding the game. The concerns suggest that the expanded format may not be enough to overcome the negative press regarding the tournament's accessibility and safety.
“"deplorable issues" and multiple controversies risk "killing the ambiance"”
The criticism reflects a growing tension between FIFA's commercial expansion—evidenced by the 48-team format—and the practical realities of fan accessibility and safety. If the 2026 tournament is perceived as an elite-only event plagued by security fears, it may damage the brand of the World Cup in the North American market and set a precarious precedent for future multi-nation bids.
