World Cup 2026 kicks off amid ticket price controversy and US immigration concerns
via The Namibian4 min read
The 2026 World Cup is set to begin on Thursday, with Fifa anticipating that the event's appeal will overcome issues such as high ticket prices and US immigration restrictions. This edition marks the first time the tournament is co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the largest and most complex World Cup to date. The opening match will take place at Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, featuring Mexico against South Africa. The tournament will conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Questions remain about whether Lionel Messi, 38, can secure another World Cup title for Argentina, or if Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, will lead Portugal to their first win. Fifa President Gianni Infantino has promoted the event as "the greatest show that the planet has ever seen," despite criticism regarding affordability and political tensions. The cost of tickets has sparked a global outcry, with the most expensive final ticket for 2026 priced at $32,970, a significant increase from 2022. Even former US President Donald Trump expressed surprise at the $1,000 price for tickets to the USA's opening game. Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, will not attend any games in Mexico due to ongoing teacher protests. Human Rights Watch has voiced concerns that US immigration policies, demonstrations, and press freedom issues could lead to a World Cup characterized by "exclusion and fear." These concerns were highlighted when Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entr
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Lionel Messi scored a penalty after coming on as a substitute, helping Argentina secure a 3-0 victory against Iceland in their final World Cup warm-up match. The 38-year-old, who had been recovering from a hamstring injury, entered the game with 20 minutes remaining and converted a penalty after Lautaro Martinez was fouled. This win comes as the World Cup, set to begin on Thursday in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, faces various controversies. Somali referee Omar Artan, named men's referee of the year by the Confederation of African Football in 2025, expressed deep disappointment after being denied entry to the United States. Artan, who would have been the first Somali to officiate at a World Cup, stated he had the correct papers and visa but was subjected to an 11-hour interview and detention before being sent back to Turkey. A US State Department official alleged Artan was "associated with suspected members of terrorist organizations." Meanwhile, concerns are rising in Mexico City over potential disruptions to the opening match due to ongoing teacher protests. A police blockade prevented demonstrators from reaching the Estadio Azteca, where Mexico will play South Africa. President Claudia Sheinbaum has guaranteed the opening match will proceed but ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations. Argentina is considered a favorite for the title, and Messi's cameo allayed injury fears ahead of their first match against Algeria on June 16. The United States team is
Must ReadThousands of demonstrators, led by a breakaway group of the CNTE teachers union, blocked an avenue leading to Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium on Tuesday, days before the 2026 World Cup kicks off. This protest follows a week of demonstrations that President Claudia Sheinbaum called a “provocation.” The Azteca Stadium is set to host the World Cup’s first game on Thursday, featuring Mexico against South Africa. Authorities have deployed thousands of officers and set up concrete barriers around the venue to prevent protests. Demonstrators, including Angel Villalobos and Austreberto Flores, stated their intention to reach the stadium, expressing dissatisfaction with the government's responses. Sheinbaum has guaranteed the opening match but ruled out using police to repress the demonstrations, favoring dialogue that has not yet resolved the situation. The CNTE teachers union has been on strike since last week, demanding a salary raise and the reversal of a pension law. Teachers have also set up camp near the World Cup fan zone in Mexico City’s Zocalo square, where police dispersed protesters with rubber bullets and teargas on June 1. Sheinbaum has asserted that the protests do not reflect widespread social turmoil. Further demonstrations are planned for Thursday, including families of “disappeared” people. Mexico is also working to complete renovations at subway stations and its main airport for the tournament.
Must ReadSerena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, made a successful return to competitive tennis, partnering with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to win their first-round doubles match at the Queen's Club. The pair defeated third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 7-6 7/2, 6-2. Williams expressed her enjoyment of the match, stating she had "so much fun" and relished playing at the iconic venue for the first time. Her return, four years after seemingly ending her career, was inspired by a desire to play in front of her children, Olympia and Adira, and husband Alexis Ohanian, who were present courtside. Despite her victory, Williams rated her performance as a "C minus," acknowledging the challenge of returning on grass after a long break. She and Mboko will face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals and Williams is also scheduled to play doubles at the Berlin Open. The possibility of her competing at Wimbledon, particularly in doubles, remains a topic of speculation, with Williams stating she is taking it "a day at a time" and has time to decide. Mboko, who was born after Williams had already won seven Grand Slam singles titles, described playing with her idol as a memorable experience and believes Williams will quickly regain her top form.