2026 World Cup Opens With Mexico vs South Africa as Political Tensions Overshadow Sport
The most politically charged World Cup in history kicks off Thursday with a record 48 teams across three host nations, but high ticket prices and U.S. immigration policy are casting a shadow over the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup began Thursday with Mexico facing South Africa in what is already being described as the most politically fraught edition of football's marquee global tournament. For the first time, three nations — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — are co-hosting the competition, which has also expanded its field from 32 to 48 national teams.
The expanded format means more than 100 matches will be played over roughly five weeks, drawing millions of spectators to stadiums across North America. Organisers have billed the format change as a historic opening of the tournament to more of the world's footballing nations, particularly from Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Ticket prices for the 2026 edition are the highest in the tournament's history, according to reports, raising concerns about whether the event is financially accessible to ordinary fans and to supporters travelling from less affluent nations. The cost barrier has been cited as a significant obstacle for many would-be attendees.
Beyond economics, U.S. immigration enforcement policies have drawn sharp international criticism. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the United States to review its immigration measures during the tournament, warning that current policies risk casting "a shadow" over the event. The statement reflects widespread anxiety that fans and players from certain countries could face difficulties entering the United States.
Centrist Brazilian outlets broadly characterised the tournament as uniquely politicised, with commentary noting the dual novelty of the expanded field and the tri-nation hosting arrangement. CNN Brasil's coverage emphasised the humanitarian dimension, foregrounding the UN's intervention, while G1 framed the overall picture as one of financial and political barriers confronting an event meant to be a global celebration.
On the footballing side, Brazilian referee Wilton Pereira Sampaio was selected to officiate the opening match. With more than 440 domestic matches to his name, his appointment moves him closer to a Brazilian record for the most World Cup appearances by a referee from the country.
The choice of Mexico's Estadio Azteca for the opening fixture carries its own symbolism: it is one of football's most storied venues and is being used again decades after hosting matches in previous tournaments. The host nation's participation in the opener adds a further layer of significance to a day that will be watched by hundreds of millions globally.
What remains to be seen is whether the off-pitch controversies — immigration enforcement, ticket affordability, and the political backdrop of the Trump administration's policies — will continue to generate headlines as the group stage unfolds, or whether results on the pitch will eventually dominate the narrative. FIFA has not publicly commented on the UN's request regarding U.S. immigration policy.